After an import change and re-integrating two towering locals, the Foton Tornadoes finally got their first win since the opening day of the 2019 Philippine Superliga Grand Prix, toppling the Sta. Lucia Lady Realtors, 12-25, 25-14, 25-20, 25-15, at the FilOil Flying V Centre.
The Tornadoes opened the match on a dismal note, giving up 10 aces in the first set. However, their offense finally kicked into gear in the following three sets to drub the struggling Lady Realtors.
Foton head coach Aaron Velez acknowledged the relief of breaking the losing streak. Still, going on a long run of losses showed him they still have plenty to polish.
“A win is a win; however, mahaba ang losing streak so ‘yung pagdududa nandoon pa rin,” said Velez. “So ang gagawin na lang namin talaga magsusuportahan ang bawat isa from the coaches, the players, and the management.”
Spanish import Milagros Collar topped the Lady Realtors with 15 points. Meanwhile, Jaja Santiago, playing in her second match back from Japan, added 13 markers.
Casey Schoenlein and Rachel Austero each had 12 points for the Lady Realtors, who have lost six straight matches.
Both teams play their final elimination round matches on Thursday at the FilOil Flying V Centre. Foton (2-11) take on the Generika-Ayala Lifesavers (4-8), while Sta. Lucia (2-11) face the United Volleyball Club (6-7).
The Scores
Foton (3) – Collar 15, Santiago 13, Aganon 12, Felinski 11, Ortiz 2, Sy 1, Adorador 0, Perez 0, Reyes (L)
Sta. Lucia (1) – Austero 12, Schoenlein 12, Lohman 11, Lastimosa 9, Villanueva 6, Phillips 2, De Leon Leon 1, Maraguinot 1, Raslan 1, Rivera 0, Catindig (L)
