Foton outlasts RC Cola to reach Grand Prix Finals for second straight year

MANILA, Philippines – The Foton Tornadoes’ hopes of fulfilling a back-to-back gold medal finish remain alive as they rout a gutsy RC Cola Army in 5 sets, 23-25, 23-25, 25-22, 25-15, 15-7 in the semifinals of the Philippine Super Liga Grand Prix on Saturday, December 3 at the Ibalong Centrum for Recreation. 

Foton capitalized on the Lady Troopers’ attack errors late in the third to take the game, 25-22. The defending champs managed to extend the match to a deciding set after a solid defensive outing from their front court. The Tornadoes limited Jovelyn Gonzaga from dominating the net, and got more open attacks in the fifth. Ariel Usher ended the match with a running attack as Foton continues their quest to defend the Grand Prix title. 

Usher finished with 15 attacks, 5 blocks, and 2 aces.  

Moro Branislav’s squad will face the victor of the second semifinal match between F2 Logistics and Petron, which will take place later at 5pm. 

Meanwhile, the Lady Troopers will have the chance to grab the third place of the tournament on Thursday, December 8, when they face the losing team of the remaining semis clash. – Rappler.com