Missing two of their biggest stars and employing a new head coach, the Foton Blue Energy mustered a late spurt to escape the Generika-Ayala Lifesavers, 20-25, 25-21, 25-14, 19-25, 15-5, in the 2018 Chooks to Go-Philippine Superliga All-Filipino Cup at the Ynares Sports Arena.
Trading set wins, the Blue Energy took advantage of an error-prone Generika in the fifth set to lock up the victory. Consecutive Lifesavers errors pushed Foton to a decisive 12-4 lead.
For a team missing Jaja Santiago and Dindin Santiago-Manabat, who are both in Japan competing in the V-Premier League, the Tornadoes did well, defeating a team that had handed them an upset loss in the Invitational Cup.
“Both teams played well naman for a first game. Nag-favor lang siguro sa amin ‘yung breaks. The girls were very mindful and aggressive. Lumabas ‘yung hunger for a win,” said new Foton head coach Aaron Velez.
Without the Santiago sisters, another National U standout in Mina Aganon led the Foton offense with 20 points. Maika Ortiz added 12 markers.
University of Saint La Salle product Fiolla Ceballos topped Generika with 21 markers.
Foton (1-0) will face the Cignal HD Spikers (0-1) on Tuesday at the FilOil Flying V Centre. Generika-Ayala (0-1) take on the Petron Blaze Spikers (1-0), also on Tuesday.
The Scores
Foton (3) – Aganon 20, Ortiz 12, Adorador 9, Casugod 9, Layug 8, Perez 3, Sy 1, Rosario 0, Sandoval 0, Yongco 0, Reyes (L)
Generika-Ayala (2) – Ceballos 21, Orendain 15, Araneta 14, Meneses 9, Hingpit 4, Llagoso 2, Lopez 2, Pineda 2, Cerveza 0, Lavitoria 0, Arado (L)
