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[av_heading heading=’Unbeaten Foton trumps HD Spikers ‘ tag=’h3′ style=’blockquote modern-quote’ size=” subheading_active=’subheading_below’ subheading_size=’15’ padding=’10’ color=” custom_font=”]
BY ADRIAN STEWART CO
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MANILA – The Foton Tornadoes bucked the absence of Jaja Santiago to score a 25-17, 25-21, 16-25, 25-14 win over the Cignal HD Spikers in the 2016 Philippine Superliga Grand Prix on Thursday at the San Juan Arena.
American reinforcement Lindsay Stalzer led the way with 20 points, on 19 attacks and one service ace, for the Tornadoes, which remained on top of the standings with a 5-0 win-loss slate.
Ariella Usher chipped in 19 markers, including 15 attacks, while Maika Ortiz and Dindin Santiago-Manabat combined 22 points for the defending champions Tornadoes.
Santiago is expected to be out for the Tornadoes in its next few matches as she joins the National University Lady Bulldogs in Japan for their build up for the upcoming UAAP Season.
“Jaja Santiago will not play in the next 12 days because she needs to go to Japan for her university commitment, “ said Tornadoes head coach Moro Branislav. “But it’s okay. I know my players would step up. I’ll prepare them for the next three to four matches.”
The HD Spikers surged ahead early in the opening set but the Tornadoes quickly bounced back to take a 16-13 lead. The Tornadoes didn’t look back from there as consecutive hits by Stalzer handed them the set.
The HD Spikers once again claimed a slight upperhand early in the second set but the Tornadoes leaned on Stalzer and Usher to take a 16-14 lead. Both teams had tight exchange from there, but Manabat and Stalzer went on scoring surge for a 2-0 lead.
After dropping the third set, the Tornadoes started strong in the fourth frame for a 9-3 lead. The Tornadoes widened the lead further to 16-7 behind Stalzer and Manabat as the HD Spikers fell short and failed to recover for another PSL defeat.
Reinforcement Laura Schaudt led the way with 18 points, while Janine Marciano added 11 markers for the HD Spikers, which slid down to a 1-3 slate tying with the RC Cola-Army Lady Troopers./PN
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