Malolos City – Foton brushed off a sluggish opening set to pull off a 27-25, 25-15, 25-20 victory over Marinerang Pilipina in the Philippine Superliga All-Filipino Conference Saturday at the Malolos Sports and Convention Center here.
Jaja Santiago, Elaine Kasilag and Maika Ortiz sparked the uprising, towing the Tornadoes to their third win in six games in this prestigious women’s club tourney bankrolled by Team Rebel Sports, SOGO, Eurotel, PCSO, Cocolife, UCPB Gen, Mueller, Senoh, Asics, Bizooku and One Sport.
The 6-foot-5 Santiago stood tall, delivering eight attacks and four blocks while Kasilag chipped in eight hits, two aces and two blocks for the Tornadoes, who needed only 74 minutes to dominate the Lady Skippers.
Ortiz, a national team mainstay, was also impressive with 11 hits.
“It was a good win for us, we can start to build momentum from this win,” said Foton coach Aaron Velez, whose team came off a four-set victory over PLDT a week ago.
“I’m really glad to see the team step up, especially after that opening set where we gained our composure, after that set we were able to relax. Had we lost that set, the outcome could have been different.”
Dindin Manabat and Marian Buitre tallied seven points apiece for the Tornadoes, who took advantage of their height to come up with 13 blocks against the Lady Skippers three.
Judith Abil and Chiara Permentilla had 10 points for Marinerang Pilipina, which remains winless in five outings in this tourney that has ESPN5 and Kapatid TV5 as broadcast partners.