De Leon joins Foton
Already boasting one of the league’s most imposing frontliners, Foton gets an added ceiling and net presence in Ateneo’s prized middle blocker Bea De Leon for the 2018 Philippine Superliga Invitationals that gets going on June 23.
The 5-foot-11 De Leon, 21, inked a two-year deal and should be a welcome addition to the Tornadoes, the two-time league champions who already have the celebrated Santiago sisters – Dindin and Jaja – in their fold plus veteran Maika Ortiz and promising CJ Rosario.
“We have a ‘Twin Tower’ in Dindin and Jaja, and we are introducing her as the third tower. We now have a ‘Triple Tower,’” beamed Foton owner Rommel Sytin during De Leon’s formal presentation to selected scribes on Saturday night at the UCC 3rd Wave Clockwork in Macapagal Boulevard, Pasay City.
“Tonight is very special not only for PSL but also for the Foton volleyball team. We now have one of the best middle blockers of Ateneo and she has found a home. We welcome her with open arms and with open heart.”
Also present during casual gathering were De Leon’s parents, Elmer and Det, along with Foton coach Rommel Abella, assistants Edjet Mabbayad and Bryan Esquibel and Tornadoes team manager Dianne Santiago.
De Leon, who donned the country’s tricolors back in the 2015 Southeast Asian Games in Singapore, expressed her excitement about teaming up with the 6-foot-5 Santiago, the reigning UAAP league MVP. (Jerome Lagunzad)