The Foton Tornadoes did not give up without putting up a fight against the Petron Blaze Spikers, who are seeking a three-peat, after a five-set 2019 Philippine Superliga (PSL) match last Tuesday, June 25 at the Flying V Filoil Arena in San Juan.
The set scores ended 22-25, 16-25, 25-16, 25-17, and 15-10 with Sisi Rondina giving her teammates time to relax during the fifth set after providing the Blaze Spikers a 12-10 advantage. She totalled 14 points despite not starting the game. Ces Molina as team captain rose to the occasion after being down the first two sets with 20 points off 15 attacks, also adding four service aces and a block. Remy Palma and Mika Reyes chipped 14 and 12 points respectively, while Rhea Dimaculangan totalled 25.
For Foton, who is now suffering from a 1-3 win-loss standing, Jaja Santiago led the way with 21 points off 18 attacks and three blocks. Teammate Dindin Santiago-Manabat totalled 16 points, while Elaine Kasilag and Mina Aganon provided 10 points individually. Gyzelle Sy totalled 31 excellent sets and also provided 15 digs.
Blaze Spikers head coach Shaq Delos Santos told the media post-game in a mix of English and Filipino that he’s “super proud of [his] team,” stating, “Knowing them, they can play well and it was a wakeup call to us from the Lord that we cannot be complacent. Our opponents are really contenders. We know that it’s possible. Experience-wise, they’re also okay. Good thing we were able to handle the pressure.”
Petron will attempt to continue their winning streak next Thursday, June 27 against F2 Logistics at the same venue, while Foton will attempt to rise from their losing ways on Saturday, June 29 against PLDT Home Fibr Hitters at the Muntinlupa Sports Center.