Dindin, Foton overpower Generika six in Superliga

MANILA, Philippines — Dindin Santiago-Manabat showed she’s fully recovered from the ACL (anterior cruciate ligament) injury she sustained last year as she helped Foton turn back Generika, 25-19, 22-25, 25-16, 25-22, yesterday to jumpstart its campaign in the Phl Superliga Grand Prix at the Filoil Flying V Center in San Juan.

Manabat, who was nowhere near her old form in her return in the PSL Grand Prix late last year, displayed solid form and fired 14 points on eight kills, five aces and a block to help lift the Tornadoes to their first win while setting in motion their title bid.

“I asked her (Manabat) about her injury and she told me she’s 100 percent and she showed that in this game,” said new Foton coach Rommel Abella, who took over from now Cocolife Serbian mentor Moro Branislav.

Imports Brooke Allison Kranda and Elizabeth Wendell fired a match-best 21 points including 17 off attacks and 11, respectively, but Abella thinks the two could improve and round into shape in the next few games.

“Understandably, they’re (Kranda and Wendell) a little bit jittery because it’s just our first game. Hopefully, they can still provide us a little more offensive firepower in our next games,” said Abella.

Rookie setter Gyzelle Sy came out impressive on her first game since jumping from Pocari Sweat in the Premier Volleyball League and finished with 15 excellent sets.

Sy outplayed teammate Ivy Perez in an obvious positional battle as she saw action in three sets against just one by the latter.

It was also a reunion of sorts for Sy and Abella, who won three PVL championships when they were still with Pocari Sweat.

In the second game, Petron trounced Sta. Lucia, 25-21, 18-25, 25-17, 25-20.