Foton coach undeterred by player injuries

MANILA, Philippines – Despite the absence of two more players, Foton head coach Aaron Velez remains upbeat over their chances in the ongoing Philippine Superliga All-Filipino Conference.

The rookie mentor said the loss of Arianne Layug and Shaya Adorador to injury should serve as their rallying point heading into a crucial match against Petron in the second round of this prestigious women’s club tourney.

Layug, a former La Salle stalwart, will be out for the remainder of the season after crashing with an anterior cruciate ligament injury while Adorador was diagnosed with severe sinusitis infection.

Their loss is a major blow to the Tornadoes, who are nursing the absence of twin towers Jaja Santiago and Dindin Manabat.

Still, Velez remains optimistic.

“We know that we came into this conference with no expectations,” said Velez, who took the coaching reign from Rommel Abella right after the Invitational Conference.

“That’s why when Arianne and Shaya got injured, I told the team to just continue what they’re doing and just enjoy the game. I don’t want to put any pressure on them because we know that we’re depleted in this tournament.”

Velez is doing an impressive job for the Tornadoes.

Even without Santiago and Manabat, Foton wrapped up its first-round campaign with a 5-2 win-loss record to emerge at the third spot.

Their setbacks came from the hands of F2 Logistics and Petron, two powerhouse squads that have been clashing in the finals for the past couple of years.

Carmina Aganon and Carla Sandoval picked up the scoring cudgels while national team member Maika Ortiz provided the veteran leadership for the Tornadoes, who still have Bea de Leon, Gyzelle Sy, Jen Reyes and Ivy Perez.

Velez said he’s happy over how they performed in the first round.

“We did well,” he said.

“But again, we have to temper our expectations. We’ve already set our minds that we will do our best but we won’t forget to enjoy the game and have some fun.”

“No pressure. No expectations.”