Foton sets drama-filled semis duel vs Petron

Jaja Santiago provides local firepower for Foton as she scores past Sta. Lucia’s Jonah Sabete (16) and Marisa Field. —SHERWIN VARDELEON

Foton arranged a blockbuster semifinal duel against Petron, where a subplot featuring a brewing import controversy could heighten the drama between the the two “super teams.”

The two-time defending champion Tornadoes rode out a turbulent opening set before putting things in order with a 21-25, 25-17, 25-23, 25-17 triumph over the Sta. Lucia Lady Realtors on Thursday night in the Chooks to Go-Philippine Superliga Grand Prix quarterfinals.

That win put the Tornadoes directly in the path of the Blaze Spikers during the knockout semifinals slated Saturday at Mall of Asia Arena.

Providing an intriguing backdrop in the showdown is Foton’s former import Lindsay Stalzer, who will be playing for Petron this time in a shift that the Tornadoes reportedly didn’t take well.

Then early this week, reports came out that this early, Petron is eyeing the services of the Tornadoes’ heavy hitter Sara Klisura as the Blaze Spikers’ import in the next Grand Prix that will open in February.

Klisura, who has the all-time highest output in the league with 41 points, delivered 23 points against the Lady Realtors, who stunned the Tornadoes in the first set by coming out firing on all cylinders.

But this time Klisura got ample help from local superstar Jaja Santiago, who accounted for 20 points, including three of the Tornadoes’ 10 aces.

Foton’s superb service game brought trouble to Sta. Lucia, which could only muster two aces throughout the match.

Cignal HD and Cocolife will dispute the final semis spot, trying to earn the right to face F2 Logistics on Saturday.