Coming off their first loss of the 2018 Chooks to Go-Philippine Superliga All-Filipino Conference, the Foton Blue Energy got back on their feet with a decisive win over the Cocolife Asset Managers, 25-23, 26-28, 25-21, 25-19, at the FilOil Flying V Centre.
The Blue Energy pulled 18 points apiece from leading scorer Mina Aganon and starting six newcomer Carla Sandoval, who filled in for injured Arianne Layug.
Foton head coach Aaron Velez praised his team’s resilience after they absorbed their first loss to F2 Logistics.
“We’re very happy because that loss really showed a lot of our weaknesses. As a team, we need to address those so we keep improving,” said Velez, who is going through his first tour of duty as head coach.
“We know that there are going to be more challenges for us as the season goes along. We’re glad that we got through Cocolife today,” added the youthful mentor.
Kalei Mau, who exploded for 25 points to lead Cocolife to their first win last Saturday, managed 21 against the Blue Energy. The Fil-American was the only Asset Manager in double-digits.
Foton (5-1) will face the Petron Blaze Spikers (5-0) on Thursday at the FilOil Flying V Centre. Cocolife (1-5) play their last first round match on also on Thursday, against the Generika-Ayala Lifesavers (2-3).
The Scores
Foton (3) – Aganon 18, Sandoval 18, Rosario 8, Fabay 7, De Leon 6, Casugod 5, Ortiz 5, Rosario 5, Perez 1, Sy 1, Yongco 0, Reyes (L)
Cocolife (1) – Mau 21, Tan 9, Berte 8, Angustia 7, Tiu 6, Barroga 5, Banggad 1, Palec 1, Yongco 1, Tongco 0, Lazaro (L).
