Generika, Foton upset PSL foes

It was a show of the underdogs yesterday as Generika and Foton brought down their respective rivals at the close of women’s first round action in the Philippine Superliga Grand Prix volleyball presented by Asics at Cuneta Astrodome.

Generika pulled off a three-set conquest of Cignal HD, 25-23, 25-18, 25-20, to nail only its second win in five games while Foton finally broke into the win column with another three-set romp over Mane ‘N Tail, 25-23, 25-22, 25-13.

The loss dropped Cignal to joint second place with idle RC Cola-Air Force at 3-2 even as Generika moved up to tie Mane ‘N Tail at 2-3.

Natalia Korobkova didn’t explode with big numbers like her counterparts from other squads but the Russian, armed with a winsome smile and a wicked crosscourt spike, showed an all-around game that inspired Generika.

The 6-foot-3 Korobkova finished with 17 points, 11 on crucial kills, five blocks and an ace. Cha Cruz added eight points while former fellow La Salle spikers Aby Marano and Stephanie Mercado chipped in seven each.

Japanese setter Miyu Shinohara added six points but more importantly, produced 24 excellent sets to get the offense going of the Life Savers.

Shinohara, who scored three consecutive aces as the Life Savers stormed to a 10-1 lead in the second, also had 11 excellent digs.

In contrast, Cignal received poorly and committed 26 errors to Generika’s 15.

Foton, which dragged league leader Petron to a four-setter last Sunday, completely dominated the match to end a four-game losing spell.

Irina Tarasova topscored with 13 points, while up-and-coming local star Patty Jane Orendain chipped in 11. Elena Tarasova added nine, while Ivy Remulla and Jill Gustilo contributed eight and seven points, respectively.