IMUS CITY—Foton advanced to the battle for seventh place without a sweat after University of the East (UE)-Cherrylume defaulted the Philippine Superliga (PSL) Invitational Conference consolation round match on Tuesday at the Imus Sports Center.
The Tornadoes braved the inclement weather traveling from Manila to Imus City as they sought a modest finish in the tournament.
The UE side reportedly had difficulty going out of Manila because of floods. The school also canceled classes in all levels on Tuesday.
Foton will face either Cocolife or University of the Philippines-United Auctioneers Inc. (UP-UAI), which played despite the inclement weather.
“We were surprised that they failed to come but we understand because they are a school-based team,” Foton Team Manager Dianne Santiago said.
The Tornadoes, however, did not let the day pass without getting a sweat. Jaja Santiago, Dindin Santiago-Manabat, Bea de Leon and the rest of the Tornadoes played a pickup game with kids in the arena.
“Actually, it was PSL officials’ idea to allow the Foton’s players to play with the fans. The players agreed for the fans, who exerted effort to come here and watch. So we give them a little fun,” Santiago said.