Foton back on track; F2 unscathed

MANILA, Philippines — Defending back-to-back champion Foton scorched from the service box and the attack line as it overwhelmed Sta. Lucia, 25-16, 25-11, 25-16, to get back on track in the Chooks-to-Go Philippine Superliga Grand Prix at the De La Salle Lipa Sentrum in Lipa City, Batangas yesterday.

The Tornadoes sizzled with eight aces, four of  them landed by playmaker Ivy Perez in the opening set, against one by the Lady Realtors while pounding Sta. Lucia (42-24) to join archrival Petron, which dealt them their first loss the last time out, at 5-1.

Serbian Sara Klisura topped with 17 points all on attacks she spiked with four excellent receptions, Jaja Santiago punched in 14 markers anchored on 11 spikes, two aces and a block while Dragana Perunicic of Montenegro added 10 points and three excellent receptions for Foton.

Perez orchestrated the Tornadoes’ offense with 30 of the squad’s 35 excellent sets.

Sta. Lucia failed to sustain the momentum of its first victory against guest team Victoria Sports-University of Santo Tomas in their last outing as they slipped to 1-4 for a tie with Iriga City at seventh and eighth spots.

Ukrainian Bohdana Anisova carried the scoring cudgels for the Lady Realtors with 15 points as Canada national team member Marisa Field was sidelined for two weeks with a minor knee injury.

F2 Logistics turned back gritty Victoria Sports-University of Santo Tomas, 25-22, 25-19, 25-19, to climb to the top spot with its fifth straight win in as many games.

The Cargo Movers halted an inspired rally by the Tigresses in the first set before strengthening their net defense and anchoring on American Kennedy Bryan in the second. They fended off UST’s surge in the third and pounced on the collegiate squad’s miscues down the stretch to keep their perfect slate.