Hungry for a historic three-peat, the Foton Tornadoes made a statement to start their 2017 Chooks-to-Go Philippine Superliga Grand Prix campaign, shutting down the Cignal HD Spikers in four sets, 25-15, 25-19, 22-25, 25-22, at the FilOil Flying V Centre.
After winning the 2016 Grand Prix, the Tornadoes experienced a quiet start to 2017, failing to make the Finals of the first two conferences. With a chance to become the first three-time champion of any conference, Foton reloaded with a trio of towering Serbian imports.
The Tornadoes, taking on the Invitational Cup champs Cignal, showed the advantage they have gained from having their imports arrive months in advance and having a coach who speaks their native language.
Strong serving was key throughout the match, especially in the starting two sets, as Foton got points off aces and kept Cignal’s offense off-beat with their deliveries. Strong offense from Sara Klisura and Jaja Santiago led the Tornadoes to a 2-0 sets lead.
The third set had Cignal pull off better attacks and blocks, giving them a late 24-20 lead and a match extension. By the fourth frame, however, the HD Spikers had lost their connection. From a 16-15 gap, Foton increased their lead to 21-16 and never looked back.
Klisura had the most impact of Foton’s three debuting Serbians, with 26 points. Jaja Santiago added 19 markers. Santiago’s sister, Dindin Manabat, suited up for the match but did not participate in warm-ups.
“We make a lot of mistakes in this match. We need to be better. There are several mistakes that we could have prevented,” said Foton head coach Moro Branislav. “For one moment, people thought it was going to be 3-0 but I think Cignal is a very strong team like other teams here in PSL.”
Cignal’s Australian middle blocker Beth Carey compiled 13 attacks and seven blocks. American Alexis Matthews, Jovelyn Gonzaga, and Rachel Daquis each added nine points.
Foton look to keep their winning start going against the Cocolife Asset Managers (0-0) on October 28 at the FilOil Flying V Centre. Cignal hope to get their first win against the stacked Petron Blaze Spikers (1-0), also on October 28.
The Scores
Foton (3) – Klisura 26, Santiago 19, Perunicic 9, Ortiz 8, Perez 5, Rosario 5, Laure 0, De Leon 0, Yognco 0, Vukomanovic (L)
Cignal (1) – Carey 20, Daquis 9, Gonzaga 9, Matthews 9, Mercado 5, Tubino 2, Vivas 1, Macatuno 0, Morada 0, Paat 0, Saet 0, Miyashita (L)
