Foton team captain Shaya Adorador drew praise from head coach Brian Esquibel for wholeheartedly embracing her role as leader of the expansion team in the Premier Volleyball League Invitational Conference.

Despite coming off a grueling stint with the national team in the Asia Volleyball Confederation Challenge Cup for Women in Indonesia before the start of the mid-season tournament, the University of the East product showed determination to lead the Tornadoes.

Although her hard work came to naught as Foton dropped back-to-back games in Pool B, the mentor admired the dedication shown by the winger for stepping up to the challenge following her transfer from sister team Chery Tiggo.

"Actually, I'm impressed with the kid because instead of resting she still showed up on training. She wants to show her younger teammates how Shaya Adorador plays," Esquibel said.

However, Adorador admitted that she felt the effects of the national squad's tough schedule and the first two games of Foton had been brutal for her physically.

"I really need to recover because even if my mind wants to keep on playing but you're physically tired. But of course, once you step on the court, you go all out since all the teams here are really competitive," she said.

Still, Adorador averaged 13.5 points per game in the pair of straight sets losses to Petro Gazz and Choco Mucho.

"I still have a lot to learn from my coaches ko especially on how to lead the team during the end game. I still need to learn to be more vocal," she said.

"The team effort is there. We just have to improve more on training."

With a 0-2 slate, the Tornadoes are in danger of bombing out of the race for the two semifinal tickets at stake.

Foton is now in a must-win situation starting with its match against Cignal on Tuesday at the Philsports Arena in Pasig City.