Tiamzon takes charge as Foton rips Shopinas

MANILA, Philippines - Rookie Nicole Tiamzon came away with an impressive 19-hit effort as Foton swept Shopinas, 25-17, 25-17, 25-17, yesterday in the 2015 Philippine Superliga women’s volleyball All-Filipino Conference at The Arena in San Juan.

A direct hire from University of the Philippines, Tiamzon fired 15 kills and three services aces while leading the Tornadoes’ fightback in the third set to complete the sweep and tie their victim at 2-1.

“Nicole is playing without any pressure, the same way that I don’t put pressure on the team. We have a well-balanced game plan and each one has a specific role to play. Fortunately, everybody did their respective roles which resulted to this bonus victory,” said Foton coach Villet Ponce-de Leon, whose wards fell to the star-studded Petron side in the opener of the inter-club women’s volleyball tournament backed by Asics, Mikasa, Senoh, Mueller Sports Medicine, Via Mare, LGR and Healthway Medical.

But against Shopinas, a squad bannered by the core of La Salle team in the UAAP, the Tornadoes dished out a solid all-around game, capped by their big surge in the third set.

Down, 7-8, in the first technical timeout, the Tornadoes pounced on the Lady Clickers’ token frontcourt defense and poor reception to wrest control.

Tiamzon spearheaded the assault, unloading three booming kills that put Foton ahead before the second technical timeout, 16-14.

Patty Orendain and Angeli Araneta then took over with a pair of hits, leaving the Lady Clickers struggling for form.

Orendain finished with 13 points while Araneta chipped in seven markers for the Tornadoes, who were guided by assistant coach Ronald Dulay in the opening set after Ponce-de Leon checked in late.

Veterans Cha Cruz and Stephanie Mercado finished five points apiece for the Lady Clickers, who looked tired and weary after playing their second consecutive game following a three-set win over Philips Gold Sunday.