Foton rips Amy’s side, posts 2nd win in row

MANILA, Philippines – Foton imposed its will and power against Amy’s Kitchen and cruised to a 25-14, 25-7, 25-18 victory yesterday in the Philippine Superliga All-Filipino Conference women’s volleyball tournament at the Cuneta Astrodome.

Jaja Santiago stood at the forefront of Foton’s attack with 15 hits, including 12 kills and three blocks, while UST’s Cherry Rondina and former La Salle stalwart Carol Cerveza added six points apiece for the Tornadoes, who needed just a little over an hour to post their second straight win after an opening game setback.

Cindy Imbo and Maribeth Lara had six points apiece for Amy’s, which fell to 0-3.

Meanwhile, Petron smothered Cignal, 25-14, 25-13, 27-25, to gain the solo lead with three straight wins.

Skipper Aiza Maizo-Pontillas and Ces Molina each had 11 points apiece for the Tri-Activ Spikers.

Former FEU standout Cherry May Vivas and UST alum Mela Tunay each had six markers for the HD Spikers, who dropped to 0-3.

The Tornadoes are in fourth spot behind RC Cola-Amy, F2 Logistics and Petron, which tote identical 2-0 cards.

The Tri-Activ Spikers, however, can claim the solo leadership with a victory over Cignal in a match being played at presstime.

Foton coach Villet Ponce-de Leon continued trying out different combinations in preparation for the AVC Asian Women’s Club Championship in Manila from Sept. 3 to 11.

“We have to see all possibilities,” said de Leon, who steered Foton to a Cinderella run to clinch the Grand Prix crown last year. “The girls showed how well they can adapt to the changes that we’re giving. Even if that’s not their natural position, they still showed great composure.”

De Leon said they will tap Aby Maraño, Jen Reyes, Rachel Anne Daquis, Jovelyn Gonzaga and imports Lindsay Stalzer and Ariel Usher for the Asian tourney.