The Generika-Ayala Lifesavers ended their winless run in the 2019 Philippine Superliga Grand Prix, keeping the Foton Tornadoes sliding, 25-21, 25-22, 19-25, 20-25, 15-11, at the FilOil Flying V Centre.
Generika almost let a 2-0 sets lead slip as Foton surged to force a decider. The Tornadoes even took a 4-0 lead in the fourth set, before Generika went on a 10-1 run. Foton got as close as two, 13-11, before the Lifesavers received their finishing push from Fiolla Ceballos, who powered in attack and an ace.
The Lifesavers broke out of a six-game losing streak, to the relief of head coach Sherwin Meneses.
“Siguro naging pinakamahirap sa amin is ‘yung conditioning ng katawan kasi napapagod na ‘yung players bukod sa natatalo,” said Meneses as Generika had to adjust to new import Kanjana Kuthaisong who replaced Niki Del Rio midway through the first round.
“Masaya kami kasi maganda ‘to para sana makakuha kami ng winning streak. Medyo nakaka-adjust na din kami and nakakakuha na ng chemistry,” he added.
Kuthaisong led all scorers with 25 points to go with 15 digs and 10 excellent receptions. Ceballos finished with 20 markers.
Foton, who dropped their sixth straight match, had Courtney Felinski’s 24-point outing go for naught.
Generika (1-6) faces PLDT (3-2) while Foton (1-6) takes on Petron (5-0) on Tuesday at the FilOil Flying V Centre.
The Scores
Generika-Ayala (3) – Kuthaisong 25, Ceballos 20, Kocyigit 11, Lopez 11, Meneses 7, Araneta 6, Lavitoria 4, Ceveza 0, Hingpit 0, General (L)
Foton (2) – Felinski 24, Casugod 16, Aganon 14, Ilyasoglu 13, Ortiz 8, Kasilag 2, Sy 2, Rosario 1, Reyes (L)
