After an 11-game slump right in the middle of the 2019 Philippine Superliga Grand Prix elimination round, the Foton Blue Energy Tornadoes salvaged a two-game streak right before the quarterfinals after stumping the Generika-Ayala Lifesavers, 25-20, 20-25, 25-22, 25-11, at the FilOil Flying V Centre.
The Tornadoes went into the match locked as the seventh seed, regardless of the result. Still, according to head coach Aaron Velez, Foton needed a positive experience after their 11-game losing streak.
“Sabi ko nga sa mga bata kanina, it was very important to still win kahit na seventh place na. Ang ine-emphasize namin dito is boost ng morale. Kailangan namin ng kumpiyansa kasi nga eleven-game losing streak,” said Velez.
“So, kailangan lang ulet namin ibalik ‘yung tiwala sa isa’t isa and sa system,” the young mentor added.
Foton import Courtney Felinski topped all scorers with 23 points while Milagros Collar followed closely with 21 markers. Jaja Santiago managed 12 points.
Foton, who finished with a 3-11 record, faces the twice-to-beat second seeds F2 Logistics Cargo Movers on Saturday at the FilOil Flying V Centre.
Som Kuthaisong tallied 16 points and 18 excellent receptions for Generika-Ayala while Fiolla Ceballos contributed 15.
Generika-Ayala, the sixth seeds with a 4-10 card, takes on twice-to-beat PLDT on Tuesday at the FilOil Flying V Centre.
The Scores
Foton (3) – Felinski 23, Collar 21, Santiago 12, Aganon 8, Ortiz 7, Perez 2, Adorador 0, Sy 0, Reyes (L)
Generika-Ayala (1) – Kuthaisong 16, Ceballos 15, Lopez 7, Kocyigit 7, Meneses 6, Araneta 3, Cerveza 2, Lavitoria 2, Orendain 0, General (L)
