FOTON survived Generika-Ayala, 20-25, 25-21, 25-14, 19-25, 15-5, to kick off its campaign in the Philippine Super Liga All-Filipino Conference on Saturday at Ynares Sports Arena in Pasig City.
Mina Aganon finished with 20 points, while Maika Ortiz added 12 for the Tornadoes in the match that took two hours and 12 minutes to finish.
“Well both teams actually performed well for a first game. Nag-favor din sa amin because the girls actually were very mindful, the players were very aggressive. They’re very hungry for a win,” said Foton coach Aaron Velez.
Holding on a slim, 5-4 lead in the fifth set, the Tornadoes cruised to a 10-1 run to finish off the match.
“Sa akin, ang inaano (instructions) ko lang sa kanila, number one, walang expectations. Number two, hard work. Number three, (be) mindful,” said Velez.
“Kasi napansin ko everybody seems to be dictating na itong gawin, ganito. Pero nung nag-play around lang kami dun, I think nag-favor sa amin ngayon,” he added.
The Tornadoes capitalized on the Life Savers’ errors in the fifth set, earning seven extra points courtesy of miscues.
Foton, which played without towering Santiago sisters Dindin and Jaja, joined early winners Smart, Petron, and F2 Logistics at the upper half of the standings.
Fiolla Ceballos led the way for Generika-Ayala with 21 points, while Patty Orendain gad 14 and team captain Angeli Araneta made 14.
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