PSL: Foton frustrates winless Meralco, secures semis berth

Foton Tornadoes. Photo by Tristan Tamayo/INQUIRER.net

Foton sustained its red-hot surge by thwarting Meralco, 25-18, 18-25, 14-25, 25-16, 15-8, last night for its fourth straight victory in the Philippine Superliga Grand Prix women’s volleyball semifinals at Filoil Flying V Arena last night.

The Tornadoes, who rose to 5-3, moved beyond reach of the two other teams seeking the fourth and final spot in the semifinals, while sending the Power Spikers deeper into the gloom with no win to show in eight matches.

Lindsay Stalzer again provided the spark with 24 points, including 20 on attacks, three blocks and two aces for the Tornadoes.

The 31-year-old Stalzer, however, wasn’t too happy with how her side prevailed.

“I kind of expected them to work hard and be hungry for a win,” said Stalzer of the Power Spikers.

Foton coach Vilet Ponce de Leon also admitted that her charges relaxed prematurely.

“We only gathered ourselves in the fourth set and concentrated on defense in the fifth to claim this win,” said De Leon. “I told them that we have to play defense, it’s the only thing that can bail us out.”

After a strong start, the Tornadoes appeared to have lost steam, allowing the Power Spikers to work seamlessly behind Christina Alessi and Stephanie Mercado in the second and third sets.

“For us, as long as we have our energy, we are doing well,” said Stalzer, who accounted for three spikes in the fifth set and joined 6-foot-4 rookie Jaja Santiago in a blocking party that produced three more in the decisive frame.