Foton Lady Tornadoes. Photo taken from Philippine Superliga’s Facebook account
FOTON pounced on an erratic Cignal to prevail, 25-17, 25-19, 25-18, and post its second straight win Thursday in the Philippine Superliga Grand Prix women’s volleyball at Filoil Flying V Arena.
It was a big victory for the Tornadoes who are now at an even 3-3 card, and an even bigger defeat for the HD Spikers who, after sweeping their first five games, are now on a two-game losing run.
Imports Katie Messing, Lindsay Stalzer and Fil-Jamaican Kayla Williams scored 13 points each as Foton began to realize its full potential after a lackluster first round. Hotshot rookie Jaja Santiago added eight points.
Ariel Usher carried the full load for Cignal and scored 23 points but failed to get enough support from the local crew.
For Foton coach Vilet Ponce de Leon, the Tornadoes have discovered how to play as one cohesive unit.
“They are very good players. I have no doubt with that. But now they are playing as a team, that’s what we lacked in the first round,” said De Leon.
Ivy Perez tossed 10 successful sets, while Williams had eight receives for the rejuvenated Foton.
But what did Cignal in was its lack of fire. Amanda Anderson could only make seven points.
Cignal coach Sammy Acaylar seemed unfazed by the back-to-back losses.
“My players complained of body pains. They requested that they wanted to go to the beach. I said maybe we can have a break,” said Acaylar.
Acaylar also challenged a touch-block on the brand new video challenge early in the first set.
“Not to downplay the game officials, but they can’t see everything,” he said.
Acaylar was proven correct as the device showed there was no touch and Cignal kept the point.