Santiago-Manabat impressive in return from ACL injury

Dindin Manabat of Foton vs Angeli Araneta of Generika-Ayala

It was almost a year ago when Dindin Santiago-Manabat suffered a season-ending knee injury.

Manabat, however, put the past behind in her first game, helping Foton start its campaign with a win over Generika in the season opener of the 2018 Philippine Superliga.

“It was okay. Of course, I’m happy because I was able to come back,” said Manabat in Filipino on Saturday.

“I’m satisfied. It’s only the first game and I hope I can elevate my game more and it starts in training.”

The 24-year-old Manabat had 14 points, including five service aces, and six excellent digs as she backed up American import Brooke Kranda, who fired a game-best 21 points in her professional debut.

Foton head coach Rommel Abella liked what he saw from Manabat as he had no concerns over his team captain’s return after a long layoff following surgery.

“For Dindin, it’s just all about the mindset. I asked her and the PT and they said she’s 100 percent healed. Good thing she stepped up today,” said Abella, who made his head coaching debut in the PSL after replacing Serbian mentor Moro Branislav in the offseason.