Foton Pilipinas kicked off its campaign in the 2016 Select Tuna Thailand Volleyball league with back-to-back losses, but remained in high spirits as they continue to prepare for the AVC Asian Women's Club Championship.

They lost to home team EPA Sisaket, 13-25, 10-25, 18-25, in their first game on Wednesday, then bowed to Bangkok Glass, 20-25, 22-25, 25-20, 18-25, on Thursday.

Foton Pilipinas coach Fabio Menta admitted the two losses were expected, as they have yet to find their rhythm and develop their chemistry, especially with the inclusion of imports Ariel Usher and Lindsay Stalzer, as well as guest players Jen Reyes of Petron and Abigail Maraño of F2 Logistics.

(READ: Foton Pilipinas starts campaign in Thailand tourney)

"I am very satisfied with the team fighting point by point with the Asian champion," Menta said after their loss to Bangkok Glass, a team reinforced by American import Ashley Frazier and national team member Sutadta Chuewulim Somboonnit.

"They showed great personality on the court," he added. "We adjusted the block positions, so we can be there in defense. All players performed according to game plan."

Against Bangkok Glass, Stalzer and Usher carried the load on offense, while Maika Ortiz helped dismantle the Thais' net defense from the middle. The Tornadoes coasted to a seven-point lead in the second.

Three crucial calls from the first referee severely affected Foton Pilipinas' poise, however, allowing the Thai players to crawl their way back and secure a come-from-behind win in the second set.

"We were stronger than that, and dominated the third set," said Menta. "All the players have performed according to game plan. We were very happy."

Foton will conclude its preliminary round schedule against Rungsit University, a developmental team consists of college stars.

The team is targeting a semifinal finish in the AVC Asian Women's Club Championships, scheduled for September 3-11 at the Alonte Sports Center in Biñan, Laguna.

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