Foton seeks to deal Petron's first loss

MANILA, Philippines – Foton tries to become the first team to blemish Petron’s flawless record when they clash in the Philippine Superliga All-Filipino Conference on Thursday at the Filoil Flying V Centre.

Fashioning a 5-1 win-loss slate, the Tornadoes have the firepower, the defensive intensity and the momentum to overcome the Blaze Spikers, who have yet to lose in six games.

Foton, in fact, is fresh from a four-set demolition of Cocolife, giving it the confidence heading into its gigantic match with Petron.

But Foton coach Aaron Velez knows beating Petron will not be a walk in the park.

“Petron is really a strong team,” he said, adding that the resurgence of Mika Reyes, Frances Molina, Sisi Rondina, Remy Palma, Rhea Dimaculangan and Aiza Maizo-Pontillas with the veteran leadership of Ging Balse-Pabayo makes the Blaze Spikers a force to be reckoned with.

“We have to be at our best if we want to beat them and spoil their bid of sweeping the first round. So just like in our previous games, we will prepare and give them a good fight.”

The Tornadoes are regarded as the league’s most surprising team.

Despite losing Jaja Santiago and Dindin Manabat to the V.Premier League of Japan in the off-season and seeing head coach Rommel Abella walk away, Foton still found a way to win under the mentorship of Aaron Velez.

Velez, who is in his first foray in the pro ranks, immediately turned the Tornadoes into a hardworking and fighting team with veteran Mina Aganon carrying bulk of the scoring cudgels.

He also activated the likes of Carla Sandoval and Arianne Layug while squeezing the best out of Maika Ortiz, Shaya Adorador, Jen Reyes and Gyzelle Sy.

The result was an impressive performance, winning five of their first six matches to stay at the second spot behind the unbeaten Blaze Spikers.

But Velez deflected the credit.

“We’re still a young team with a lot to learn,” he said.

“We’re still far from our goal. We still have to work hard and hope for the best.”