PSL: Foton claims crucial 5-set win in Jaja Santiago’s return

MANILA, Philippines (UPDATED) – It’s a sweet return for Jaja Santiago as the Foton Tornadoes won a crucial 5-set match against the RC Cola Army Troopers, 25-20, 20-25, 29-27, 21-25, 15-7 in the Philippine Super Liga Grand Prix on Saturday, November 19, 2016 at the PhilSports Multi-Purpose Arena.

Coming from a 12-day training in Japan with National University, Santiago was not expected to suit up this early for the Tornadoes but was nevertheless warmly welcomed by the fans.

The crowd cheered for her even more when she put up 30 points and 22 excellent spikes on the board.

The Army Troopers provided a show for the fans when they rallied in the fourth set to make it a tie game at 2-2. Foton, however, powered through in the final set to run away with the victory.

Foton now moved up to 7-1, with the hopes of taking the top semifinal spot still alive.

Kierra Holst had 24 points while Jovelyn Gonzaga pitched in 17 for RC Cola, which now dropped to 3-5.

Scores:
Foton (7-1): Santiago 30, Stalzer 24, Santiago-Manabat 9, Usher 8, Ortiz 6, Perez 3, Dimaculangan 1, Araneta 1, Laure 1

RC Cola Army (3-5): Holst 24, Gonzaga 17, Tubino 15, Ripley 8, Malaluan 7, Salak 4, Daquis 3. – Rappler.com