Generika-Ayala displayed tremendous grace under pressure to survive a heart stopping 25-21, 25-22, 19-25, 20-25, 15-11 win over Foton in the Philippine Superliga Grand Prix yesterday at the Filoil Flying V Centre.
The Lifesavers flirted with disaster as it squandered a two-set lead before springing back to life in the fifth to run away with their first win in this prestigious women’s club league that has ESPN5 and 5Plus as broadcast partners.
Thai import Kanjana Kuthaisong carried the offensive load, while Fiola Ceballos waxed hot for the Lifesavers, who formally snapped their six-game losing streak in this battle that also has Asics, Mueller, Mikasa, Senoh, Team Rebel Sports, Bizooku, UCPB Gen, Cocolife, Hotel Sogo and Data Project as technical sponsors.
A late replacement for Brazilian Nikolle del Rio, Kuthaisong delivered 25 points with 15 digs and 10 excellent receptions while Ceballos chipped in 20 points built on 17 spikes, two aces and a block.
Kseniya Kocyigit of Azerbaijan was also impressive as she tallied 11 markers, including crucial hits in the deciding set where the Lifesavers erected a 13-8 lead before Courtney Felinski and Gen Casugod put Foton closer, 11-13.
Then, Ceballos delivered a strong cross-court hit and a service ace to seal the victory.
“We finally got the money off our backs. It is a win that we badly need,” said Meneses, giving credit to Jamie Lavitoria who did a magnificent job setting the plays from start to finish with 23 excellent sets.
“We finally found the right combinations and Jamie did a great job for us. It worked so we will stick with it and hopefully we can get more victories along the way.”
Felinski tallied 24 points, including 14 digs and 14 receptions for two-time champion Foton, which suffered its seventh straight loss in this season-opening conference.
Gen Casugod chipped in 16 hits while Mina Aganon and import Selime Ilyasoglu had 14 and 13 markers, respectively.