UST coach Kung Fu Reyes wants to shut down injured Milena Alessandrini for rest of UAAP season

MANILA, Philippines—University of Santo Tomas head coach Kung Fu Reyes wants to sit out Milena Alessandrini for the rest of the season after the star sophomore suffered a knee injury four games into the UAAP Season 81 women’s volleyball tournament.

Alessandrini’s MRI results showed a partial tear on the anterior cruciate ligament, a Grade 3 sprain of the medial collateral ligament and the collateral ligament knee.

Reyes said Alessandrini still has to undergo her two-week rehabilitative therapy and a possible surgery if the knee doesn’t hold up but UST’s mentor would much rather have his star player sit the remainder of the season.

“It would be much better at my end that she will sit out this season,” said Reyes Tuesday at UST’s Quadricentennial Pavilion. “Again the most important thing is she heals quickly but as of now we want to see her rest the season out.”

“We’ll wait for the doctor’s advise and on our part we’ll do everything for the kid’s welfare because not everything’s about the UAAP of course we’re also thinking about her future.”

Alessandrini suffered the injury on Saturday in the second set against Far Eastern University when she landed awkwardly that led her knee to buckle.

There was an earlier prospect that Alessandrini, Season 80’s Rookie of the Year, could play with a knee brace after the two-week rehab but Reyes would much rather play it safe.

“This is a process and see how her body responds and if she’s mentally ready then why not? But I’d rather have her rest the season,” said Reyes.

“We won’t gamble Milena’s health just for the sake of winning because if things go bad the kid’s career will be affected.”