The Foton Tornadoes are back to their winning ways following impressive back-to-back victories over PLDT and Marinera to even their record to 3-3.
They will be facing another contender CIGNAL today in their final game for the first round.
And coach Aaron Velez sees the return of the two power-playing sisters, Jaja Santiago and Dindin Santiago-Manabat at full force, as the major factor in the team’s bid to recover lost glory.
“I have to give it to them, they are very professional as players and are pushing one another to be at each other’s best without any rivalry at all. The team is very happy that Dindin is recovering her form, coming back from an injury and I credit that to her passion for conditioning,” said Velez.
The Santiago sisters have been leading the team together with veteran teammates Maika Ortiz, Mina Aganon, a back-to-form Jen Reyes and very promising Elaine Kasilag.
The 23-year-old Jaja, the younger of the two sisters, admitted she had been looking forward for a long time to this opportunity to play with a healthy Dindin and it has finally come.
“I get more motivated playing beside her and the fact she was able to recover, I know what she went through and I am inspired by the way she handled her situation,” Jaja said.
The 25-year-old Dindin is equally ecstatic.
”Finally, after a long time, I feel I am now contributing to the team, I went through a difficult time especially upon our return from Japan, I was injured in a game we played before and I was really frustrated at that time. But now, my focus is going back to full form and helping Foton and playing the game together with Jaja is something that we are both enjoying,” she said.
Velez is looking with optimism at the second round of the on going PSL All Filipino, saying his team will be focusing on its offense.
And with a lineup that has two of the best volleyball players in Jaja and Dindin, it is but expected that Foton will be a force to reckon with once more in the league.