That’s two wins in the PVL Invitational for the rookie PVL squad.
Three new teams entered the PVL in the Invitational Conference. Only one of them can say that they barged into the win column.
And the Foton Tornadoes don’t have just one, but two wins under their belt. A definite confidence booster for a team that just made its return to the pro volleyball scene for the first time in four years.
In their victory on Thursday against the Gerflor Defenders, Shaya Adorador led the Tornadoes’ attack with 22 points. Her performance—built on 17 attacks, 2 blocks, and 3 aces—was a big factor in the 26-24, 13-25, 25-21, 26-24 win.
The outside hitter, who also represented the Philippines in the recent AVC Challenge Cup, deflected credit to her teammates, nonetheless.
“Hindi kami talaga nung una nagiging consistent, pero kinapitan namin ‘yung bawat isa. Naging mautak lang din kami nung mga latter part. Nagtrabaho lang kami as a team,” Adorador said in the postgame interview after being named Player of the Game.
Foton finishes the PVL Invitational with a 2-4 win-loss card, not exactly a winning record, but the former Chery Tiggo Crossover treasures the bond their team has formed.
“Though may mga times na siyempre, hindi maganda ‘yung kinakalabasan, pero nandoon pa rin ‘yung tulungan,” Shaya told reporters in the presser after the match.
It’s undeniable that Adorador has become one of the de facto leaders of the young Tornadoes, but she once again declined to hog the spotlight, and instead tipped her hat to the franchise’s brass.
For her part, she promises to be the best player she could be for Foton.
“Thank you kasi hindi sila nag-give up sa akin. Siyempre, natututo pa lang ako. Nago-grow pa lang din ako, sa sarili ko. Alam ko naman na marami pa akong kailangang i-improve.”