Foton revved up late and rolled over Petron in five sets, 20-25, 21-25, 25-22, 25-17, 15-9, to take a 1-0 lead in the Philippine Super Liga Grand Prix Finals Thursday at San Juan Arena.
Lindsay Stalzer led a frenetic 12-1 run that closed the match out for the Tornadoes with Angelli Araneta’s final tap ending it all.
A controversial challenge, though, marred the fifth set with the Blaze Spikers leading 8-6.
Frances Molina’s kill appeared to touch Dindin Santiago’s fingertips but the Petron coach Shaq Delos Santos’ challenge was ruled as a no touch call.
This began Stalzer’s offensive assault where she scored four straight points to give Foton a 14-9 lead.
“At this moment [after five sets], Foton is a better team and this is the Finals and normally as you can see I respect Petron,” said Foton head coach Moro Branislav. “They are a complete team but we didn’t start good and we gave Petron a chance.”
Stalzer led the Tornadoes with 30 points while Ariel Usher added 19.
Stephanie Niemer carried the offensive load for Petron with 32 points while Serena Warner and Molina combined for 20.
Jaja Santiago momentarily left the game in the second set after spraining her ankle.