Full-force Foton looks to claim top semifinal spot in PSL Grand Prix

MANILA, Philippines – “Ayan na!” (Here it comes!), shouted an understandably eager spectator in the PhilSports Arena as Jaja Santiago rose up to take a powerful spike. Needless to say, it was an easy point for the returning star and the rest of the Tornadoes. 

Nothing came easy last Saturday, November 19, however, as Foton scrambled to snatch a thrilling 5-setter against a determined RC Cola Army. 

The two teams split sets before Foton eventually landed with the victory in the tiebreaker – much to the delight of the shades of blue in the arena. Apart from the essential win, Foton’s supporters were likewise ecstatic to see a full roster playing before them as the semifinals stage nears. 

The Tornadoes missed Jaja Santiago, EJ Laure, and Cherry Rondina in their first loss of the tournament against F2 Logistics. Now that they are back to hit the court in full force, the team is optimistic of their chances to land the top spot. 

“[Ang] mindset siguro [is] we’ll just play our game,” said hitter Laure. “Kasi mas intact kami ‘pag mas buo kami, syempre mas maganda performance namin kapag buo kami.” 

(Our mindset is that we’ll just play our game.) (Because we are more intact, and of course we would have a better performance when we’re complete.) 

Laure and the rest of the Tornadoes have only two games left as the preliminary round draws to a close, and they are more than ready to make the most out of them.

“Siguro lalaruin lang namin every point. Paghihirapan namin ‘yung every point, tsaka syempre, every game.” (We’ll just play every point. We’ll fight for every point, and of course fight for every game.) 

The defending champions will go up against the Cignal HD Spikers on Tuesday, November 22. Their last preliminary match will be the all-important clash with Petron – a game that may hold the decision of which team bags the top overall spot. – Rappler.com