Superliga Grand Prix, Foton outshines Petron, cops title

MANILA, Philippines - Foton penned a fitting ending to its magical journey as it pulled the rug from under Petron, 25-18, 25-18, 25-17, to formally claim the 2015 Philippine Superliga (PSL) Grand Prix women’s volleyball tournament crown before another massive crowd yesterday at the Cuneta Astrodome.

With Lindsay Stalzer leading the charge, the Tornadoes waged a strong start – and an even stronger finish – to crush the Blaze Spikers in just 79 minutes of action in Game 3 of their best-of-three title showdown.

Stalzer, the powerful former Bradley University varsity star, unloaded 18 kills to finish with 20 points while providing the defensive backbone and veteran leadership in the first two sets that gave the Tornadoes enough momentum before going for the kill in the decider.

Katie Messing knocked down 14 points while Jaja Santiago contributed 11 markers and a lot of defensive effort down the stretch.

With her all-around brilliance right from the start, Stalzer was the unanimous choice as Most Valuable Player of the conference.

Also emerging with an individual award are Ariel Usher (first Best Outside Spiker); Bo Todorovic (second Best Outside Spiker); Alexis Olgard (first Middle Blocker); Santiago (second Middle Blocker); Ivy Perez (first Best Setter); Erica Adachi (second Best Setter); Michelle Gumabao (first Best Opposite Spiker); Frances Molina (second Best Opposite Spiker) and Jen Reyes (Best Libero).

Petron coach George Pascua was also named Coach of the Year for leading the Blaze Spikers to an impressive 13-game sweep of the All-Filipino Conference and a finals appearance in the import-flavored Grand Prix.

But in a high-stake match against a hungry Foton side, Petron hardly played like a real champion.

The Tornadoes jumped the gun early as Messing dominated the first set while Stalzer buckled down to work in the second as Foton established a 20-17 edge before watching the reigning champions  melt under pressure.

Foton raced to a 13-7 lead in the deciding set and never looked back as Messing, Stalzer and Santiago came up with a strong stand, combining mercilessly to push Petron on the brink of losing its throne.

“We want a fairy-tale story and it finished today,” said Foton coach Villet Ponce-de Leon, recalling their slow start which served as their motivation to down topseed Philips Gold in the semifinals and heavyweight Petron in the finals.

“It was really teamwork. All players here in the Superliga are seasoned and are really good. The competition here is tough. So I told the team to work together and win it all. Our teamwork carried us to this victory.”

Dindin Manabat nailed 12 hits for a total of 14 points, but failed to rally the Blaze Spikers in the second set that could have turned things around as she was dominated by the taller, more aggressive Foton frontline of Messing, Stalzer and Santiago.

Aby Marano finished with eight points while Brazilian import Rupia Inck and Molina chipped in seven points apiece for Petron, which fell short of its bid to earn a rare three-peat.