Foton revamps team, enlists Santiago

MANILA, Philippines - Foton toughened up for the Philippine Super Liga Grand Prix, tapping six new players, including national player Jaja Santiago and fellow National U mainstays Ivy Perez and Bea General, as it eyes a semifinal stint in the upcoming tournament.

“I believe I’ll be able to contribute in blocking and help the team make it to the semis,” said Santiago. “I’m getting more comfortable with my new team and I promised them that I will always give it my 100 percent effort in all the games.”

Others joining the Tornadoes are Fiola Ceballos, a two-time MVP in the PRISAA, and Jeannie delos Reyes from Central Philippine University in Iloilo, which also produced Jovelyn Gonzaga.

Fil-Canadian Kayla Tiangco-Williams, who used to play for the Grambling State U in Louisiana, also hooked up with Foton, which also includes skipper Ivy Remulla, Patty Orendain, Neta Araneta, May Macatuno, Kara Acevedo and Royce Estampa.

Head coach Vilet Ponce de Leon welcomed the addition of the new players with the Tornadoes also boasting of the two American imports in Lindzay Stalzer and Katie Messing.

With the new acquisitions, team manager Alvin Lu expressed hopes of a strong Foton showing in the event firing off Oct. 10 at the Alonte gym in Biñan, Laguna.