Assured of a spot in the top 3 of the 2017 Chooks-to-Go Grand Prix quarterfinals, the Foton Tornadoes showcased their depth in a quick straight-sets win over the hapless Victoria Sports-University of Santo Tomas Golden Tigresses, 25-8, 25-22, 25-16, at the FilOil Flying V Centre.
Foton, who were coming off a rousing win over the league-leading F2 Logistics last Saturday, decided to give everyone on their active roster a chance to play against the Tigresses. Dragana Perunicic did not start the match, and only came in midway through the first set when Foton already had a commanding 18-7 advantage.
The second frame was close only because the Tornadoes played most of the set without Perunicic, record-setting Sara Klisura, and National Team staple Jaja Santiago. UST threatened to take the frame, leading 20-19, but found no success, as Foton’s bench players overwhelmed them with solid defense and offense.
To close the match, the Tornadoes fielded their regular starting six, who blitzed UST 20-9 and ended the match quickly.
Foton tallied a season-high 15 blocks and yielded just 16 errors. Klisura and Santiago topped all scorers with 13 points, apiece.
“There’s nothing special about today’s match,” said Foton head coach Moro Branislav who was already looking ahead to the quarterfinals. “We’re already in the top three. It’s important that we can prepare harder for the quarterfinals so we can reach the semis.”
Hefty lefty Dimdim Pacres led UST with eight points, while captain Shanen Palec added six.
Foton finish the elims with a 7-1 record. UST, on the other hand, are winless in seven games and play their final game on December 2 against the Cignal HD Spikers (3-4).
The Scores
Foton (3) – Klisura 13, Santiago 13, Laure 9, Rosario 8, Ortiz 7, Perunicic 6, Perez 3, De Leon 0, Gutierrez 0, Yongco 0, Reyes (L), Vukomanovic (L)
UST (0) – Pacres 8, Palec 6, Inamasu 4, Bicar 3, De Los Reyes 2, Sandoval 2, Teope 1, Dizon 0, Sedenio 0, Agno (L), Rivera (L)
