Recovering Gonzaga targets 2019 PSL Grand Prix return

MANILA, Philippines—Jovelyn Gonzaga is ready to head back to the padded floor of the Philippine Superliga and she’s targeting the first quarter of 2019 to make her return.

Cignal’s stalwart was injured on November 21 of last year after she tore her anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) in her left knee that has kept her out of action to this day.

Gonzaga said she plans to return to the HD Spikers for the next PSL Grand Prix.

“So far, there’s no pain and it’s been pretty strong lately. So far so good,” said Gonzaga in Filipino Saturday at Filoil Flying V Center during Cignal’s game against Foton in the All-Filipino Conference.

READ: Cignal clips Foton for spot in PSL semis

“Hopefully I can come back just in time for the Grand Prix, I think there’s a high chance that I’ll make it.”

Although Gonzaga’s going through rehab to treat her injury, she also participated in the Philippine Army’s mandated military training for its enlisted personnel.

Gonzaga, who’s now a corporal in the Philippine Army, said her body already has the strength but it’s not suited for volleyball play.

The 27-year-old opposite hitter underwent three months of military training and that forced her to miss some of her rehab sessions at Moro Lorenzo Sports Center.

It’s only in December that Gonzaga’s fully committed to her rehab process since her military training was finished late November.

“I’m back in rehab for around five days and it’s pretty hard to cope because my body’s muscles are already strong but it’s not in shape for volleyball so this will take some time,” said Gonzaga.

“As much as possible I don’t want to miss any one of my sessions because I have to make it back by next year and I really miss playing.”