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[av_heading heading=’Foton, Cocolife advance to semis ‘ tag=’h3′ style=’blockquote modern-quote’ size=” subheading_active=’subheading_below’ subheading_size=’15’ padding=’10’ color=” custom_font=” av-medium-font-size-title=” av-small-font-size-title=” av-mini-font-size-title=” av-medium-font-size=” av-small-font-size=” av-mini-font-size=” admin_preview_bg=”]
BY ADRIAN STEWART CO
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MANILA – Foton Tornadoes will clash with Petron Blaze Spikers today in a sudden-death Philippine Superliga Grand Prix semifinal battle at the SM Mall of Asia Arena in Pasay City.
Tornadoes recovered from a set down to defeat Sta. Lucia Lady Realtors 21-25, 25-17, 25-23, 25-17 in the quarterfinals on Thursday at the San Juan Arena.
Import Sara Klisura regained her deadly form as she erupted for 23 points, on 20 attacks and three blocks, while Jaja Santiago delivered 21 markers for the two-time defending champion.
Foton defeated Petron in the finals of the last two Grand Prix editions.
Cocolife Asset Managers joined Tornadoes, Blaze Spikers and F2 Logistics Cargo Movers in the semifinals after a 25-23, 25-23, 25-20 straight-set triumph over Cignal HD Spikers.
Imports Shar Latai Manu-Olevao and Taylor Milton led the way with 21 and 14 points, respectively, for Asset Managers, which will tangle with Cargo Movers in the other knockout semis game.
After knotting the set scores 1-1, Lady Realtors threatened to gain the upper hand when it raced to a 17-13 lead in the third, but Santiago and Dragana Perunicnic waxed hot as they took turns on the offensive end for Tornadoes to surge 23-19.
Marisa Field tried to pull Lady Realtors closer 22-23 but Santiago unleashed a powerful kill from the back row while Klisura connected on a block to seal the third-set victory 25-23 and gain momentum heading into the fourth.
“Winning over Sta. Lucia wasn’t easy,” said Tornadoes head coach Moro Branislav. “In my opinion, they are one of the top four teams in the league.”
“This is a very difficult match against a team with very good defense. I’m glad that we made it,” Branislav said./PN
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