A dark cloud hung over the Foton Tornadoes’ five set win over the Sta. Lucia Lady Realtors.
Despite coming back to win, 25-19, 23-25, 25-16, 22-25, 15-11, Foton sustained a major blow to their season as ace hitter Dindin Santiago-Manabat had injured her left knee after landing awkwardly in the deciding frame at the FilOil Flying V Centre.
After surprisingly trading the first two sets with the winless Lady Realtors, Foton looked dazed as Sta. Lucia leaped out to an 8-4 lead in the final set. Shoring up their errors and smoothing out their transition attack, the Tornadoes immediately regained control and took the lead, 10-8.
With Sta. Lucia tying the match again at 10, Manabat went for a powerful hit over two blockers to give Foton the lead for good. But the six-foot-three open hitter’s left knee buckled on the landing, and she crashed to the floor and had to be carried to their dugout.
“We hope it’s nothing serious. Dindin is a big player for Foton and the National Team. We hope she recovers soon,” said Foton head coach Moro Branislav, adding that Manabat was still under observation.
The National Team pool member finished with 20 points off 17 attacks, two blocks, and an ace. Grethcel Soltones added a game-high 22 points, including 20 attacks.
The match held no bearing as Foton have already qualified for the next round, after Generika dropped their match against Petron.
Foton moves on to the next round where they take on a Japanese club, Petron, and Cignal HD for the Invitational Championship.
Lourdes Clemente led Sta. Lucia with 16 markers, while Jonah Sabete added eight.
Sta. Lucia finished the first round without a win as they head to the classification phase with Cocolife and Generika-Ayala.
The Scores
Foton (3) – Soltones 22, Manabat 20, Ortiz 17, Perez 4, Villegas 5, Yongco 4, Sindayen 2, Barrinuevo 1, Berte 1, De Leon 1, Torres 1, Reyes (L)
Sta. Lucia (2) – Clemente 16, Sabete 9, Navarro 8, Henson 5, Sante 5, Musa 4, Imbo 4, Gual 2, Umandal 2, Austero 0, Enclona (L)
