This batch of Foton Tornadoes could quite possibly be the best PSL team ever assembled.
High-scoring Americans Ariel Usher and reigning MVP Lindsay Stalzer power the offense with former MVP Dindin Santiago-Manabat and UST standout Maika Ortiz patrolling the net. Rhea Dimaculangan sets up the plays while 6-foot-5 Jaja Santiago has morphed from a middle blocker into a towering opposite spiker. The Tornadoes also have a plethora of options on the bench in Cherry Rondina, Ej Laure, and Angeli Araneta.
This lineup, concocted by Foton’s Serbian head coach Moro Branislav, tore opposing teams apart in the elimination round with sheer offensive power and blocking. Foton’s lone loss came with Santiago, Laure, and Rondina out of the lineup.
But a great elimination round does not guarantee a championship. Last season, the Philips Gold Lady Slammers finished with the best record in the eliminations only to be thwarted by eventual champs Foton in the do-or-die semifinals.
Never one to pull punches, Branislav knows this. Throughout Foton’s marvelous run, the experienced international coach has consistently belittled the impact of winning in the elimination round.
“My team is number one now. But that is not the goal. We need to be number one after the season,” Branislav claimed.
The Tornadoes had several close calls, going five sets against second seed Petron and fourth seed RC Cola-Army. Branislav insisted that these were expected given how every team prepares for each team.
“It does not matter if we win in four sets, three sets, five sets. You can’t always expect a straight set – good teams adjust and find ways to win. What matters is we win.
“But, like I said, winning in elimination round has no meaning. We can have a great record but if we lose in the semis, we lose our season and we lose our chance at a championship. We need to focus on the semis,” Branislav.
His players echo the same focus.
“Of course, you go into every game wanting to win. But we get what coach wants. He wants to see us improve every game so we get a good build going into the semis. I think we’ve been doing that,” said Stalzer who led Foton to the Grand Prix title last year.
“I think this year’s team is much better – everyone can score and works really hard. I think everyone can be a bit more confident when it comes to hitting. We have a great setter so everyone needs to be ready when the set goes to them.”
Tomorrow in Albay, Foton gets their first test, taking on the aged-dynasty of the Army Lady Troopers.
With their season riding on a single game, Branislav believes his team can perform under immense pressure.
“I respect the Army team. They have a lot of great players. But I believe my team can win against them. We just need to focus.
“As a coach, I’m used to winning. If I don’t win the championship, I usually get my team to the Finals. Foton can get to the Finals,” he closed.
