Foton beats Cignal; Petron whips Philips Gold on PSL-AFC Opener

photo from CNN Philippines

Foton Tornadoes tallied first win after defeating the Cignal HD Spikers in straight sets; 25-18, 26-24, 25-23, in the opening match of the Philippine Superliga All Filipino Conference (PSL-AFC) which was held on Saturday (March 21, 2014) at the Mall of Asia Arena.


Rookies rallied Foton. University of St. La Salle-Bacolod product Patty Jane Orendain scored 18 points (16 attacks, 1 block, 1 service ace) to lead the Tornadoes on its first win. University of the Philippines spiker Nicole Tiamzon, the Best Player of the Game, added 14 points (11 attacks, 2 blocks, 1 service ace) and University of Sto. Tomas stand-out Pamela Lastimosa also tallied 8 points (8 attacks) for the team.

The Foton Tornadoes found themselves down with as much as 6 points (16-10) in the third set, but the girls remain their composure and slowly cut the Cignal lead unti they bagged the third set, and the match.
Janine Navarro contributed 10 points, Jeanette Panaga had 8 while Lourdes Clemente finished with 8 for Cignal. The returning Michelle Segodine contributed 5 points playing as substitute in the second set, and eventually starting the third set.

In the second match, the Petron Blaze Spikers made a quick work on Philips Gold Lady Slammers, finishing them on straight sets; 25-16, 25-18, 25-23.

National University star player, Dindin Santiago-Manabat, the Best Player of the Game scored 13 points (10 attacks, 1 block, 2 service aces) for Petron. Frances Molina and Abigail Marano added 7 and 6 points, respectively.

Meanwhile, in Philips Gold, NU star Myla Pablo led the team with 13 points (12 attacks, 1 service ace), followed by Michelle Gumabao and Desiree Dadang, both with 8 points each. This year's number one pick, Iris Tolenada had an amazing PSL debut with 14 excellent sets.