Iran sends Foton PH to fifth straight loss

BIÑAN CITY—Samaryeh Bank of Iran dealt Foton Pilipinas a stinging 25-18, 25-21, 12-25 25-22, defeat Saturday to relegate the host to a battle for seventh place in the Asian Volleyball Confederation Women’s Club Championships.

In what could very well be a summary of their entire campaign, the Tornadoes displayed bursts of brilliance—particularly in the third set—but just couldn’t sustain it at that level for an entire match and suffered their fifth straight defeat of the tourney.

EJ Laure, a reserve open spiker, slammed seven points in the third frame which team captain Jaja Santiago capped with an ace to delight the crowd at Alonte Coliseum, which was expecting an upset from the Tornadoes.

Foton Pilipinas made a good fight in the fourth but the Iranians, playing all out despite being covered in clothes from head to foot, press it on to remain in contention for fifth place.

The Tornadoes are expected to face T. Grand of Chinese Taipei in a hope to at least match its best finish of seventh place. The Philippines has never fell below eighth place in the tournament.

Formed just three weeks ago with select members from the Philippine Superliga and American imports, the Tornadoes have been trying to level up with the field.

The Tornadoes had 45 attacks, the same output the Iranians had. But the hosts had more errors, 29-25, and fewer blocks, 8-6.

Sheikhi Famoosh topscored with 17 points for Sarmayeh Bank.

Lindsay Stalzer tried to keep Foton Pilipinas afloat with 18 markers, while Laure and Santiago turned in 11 and 10 points, respectively.