Tornadoes dominates Lady Troopers to enter PSL finale

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By ADRIAN STEWART CO
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MANILA – The Foton Tornadoes rallied from a 0-2 deficit to score a 23-25, 23-25, 25-22, 25-15, 15-7 win over the RC Cola-Army Lady Troopers in the 2016 Philippine Superliga Grand Prix semifinals on Saturday at the Ibalong Centrum for Recreation in Legaspi, Albay.
Reinforcement Ariella Usher led the way with 22 points, on 15 attacks, five blocks and two service aces for the Tornadoes, which moved closer to defending its Grand Prix title.
Jaja Santiago and Lindsay Stalzer chipped in 14 points apiece for the Tornadoes, which will face the winner between the Petron Tri-Activ Spikers and F2 Logistics Cargo Movers in the best-of-three finale on Thursday at the San Juan Arena.
After losing the first two sets, the Lady Troopers seemed headed for an upset after tying the count at 18-all late in the third set. But the Tornadoes behind Usher and Santiago fired consecutive hits for a 24-20 lead before ending it with a booming hit.
From a tight exchange early in the fourth set, the Tornadoes zoomed to a 16-10 lead before widening it further to 20-10. Despite consecutive hits by the Lady Troopers, the Tornadoes still forced a fifth set following a hit by Dindin Santiago-Manabat.
The Tornadoes opened the fifth set with a 7-2 lead behind Santiago-Manabat and Ivy Perez. The Lady Troopers responded behind Jovelyn Gonzaga and Honey Royce Tubino to come to within 8-5.
But conversions from Santiago and Stalzer extended the Tornadoes’ lead to 12-6. After a conversion from the Lady Troopers, the Tornadoes ended the match with a strong kill from Usher.
“I’m happy for my team that they finished strong for us to enter the finals,” said Tornadoes mentor Moro Branislav. “RC Cola is such a difficult team to beat. They always play good when they know they’re in a big battle. I have high respect for them.”
Import Kierra Holst nailed 24 of her 26 points off kills while Gonzaga and Tubino submitted 18 and 15 markers, respectively, for the Lady Troopers, which will try to salvage a third place finish in the tournament./PN
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