Foton survives 2-set deficit, frustrates Sta. Lucia

MANILA, Philippines — Foton clawed back from two sets down to frustrate Sta. Lucia, 18-25, 21-25, 25-18, 25-15, 15-4, and stretch its win run to four games in the Philippine Superliga All-Filipino Conference yesterday at the Bacoor Strike Gym in Cavite.

The Tornadoes started on a wrong foot, dropping the first two sets while facing the Lady Realtors who seemed hell bent on snapping a six-game losing spell.

But led by the triumvirate of Jaja Santiago, Marian Buitre and Dindin Santiago-Manabat, the experienced Tornadoes kept their cool and methodically came back before unleashing an emphatic 15-4 killer in the deciding fifth set for an epic come-from-behind victory.

Santiago finished with 22 points on 14 kills, six blocks and two service aces while Buitre posted 15 markers built on eight attacks, two blocks and five service aces.

Manabat came up with 13 points as she backstopped Santiago and Buitre in Foton’s awesome victory.

“We’re looking for the right combinations in the start of the match that’s why we struggled a bit,” said head coach Aaron Velez. “But I’m just thankful that Marian stepped up and everybody showed commitment to come back and win this game.”

Foton, which also had a slow start this conference with a 1-3 record, notched a fourth straight win to improve to 5-3 and strengthen hold of fourth spot at the start of the second round.

“Our motivation is how to be accountable, and our players played with accountability like there’s no tomorrow,” added Velez.

On the other side, the slumping Sta. Lucia just could not complete the job done despite a strong 2-0 start in their bid to get back to the win column after six straight losses.