Foton turns back Generika but fails to satisfy coach

Sara Klisura of Foton vs Jen Casugod and Chloe Cortex of Generika. CONTRIBUTED PHOTO

BACOLOD CITY—Foton head coach Moro Branislav is apparently setting high standards for the defending champion Tornadoes in the Chooks-to-Go Philippine Superliga Grand Prix.

Even with a convincing 25-22, 25-22, 25-16 victory over Generika Ayala last Saturday, the Serbian coach challenged his charges to raise their game as they look ahead to the knockout stage of the tournament.

“I’m not very happy with the result,” said Branislav, after the Tornadoes put on a blistering attacking display at University of St. La Salle Coliseum.

“The team still needs to get better. We want to be in good condition by the quarterfinals. Maybe if we get a 3-0 win in quarterfinals, I’ll be happier.”

Later, Cocolife fought back two sets down to stun Cignal, 19-25, 24-26, 27-25, 25-16, 15-9, and barge into the win column after opening the tournament with back-to-back losses.

The Asset Managers shrugged off a poor start, before American imports Taylor Milton and Shar Latai Manu-Olevao found their stride in the last three sets to help complete the comeback in the first Superliga game played in Bacolod.

Milton had 25 points with 24 off attacks, while Manu Olevao added 20 points from 45 attempts for the Asset Managers, who also got solid games from Mary Jean Balse Pabayo and Nene Bautista.

Cocolife coach Kung Fu Reyes hopes the game will trigger a turnaround for the Asset Managers.

“This game is a turning point for us. It was sink or swim so it’s a good thing that we were able to come back,” said Reyes.