UAAP volleyball: Imee Hernandez tweaks ankle, UST hopes injury nothing serious

Imee Hernandez being carried by UST coach KungFu Reyes after injuring ankle. UAAP PHOTO

MANILA, Philippines — University of Santo Tomas coach KungFu Reyes won’t risk fielding in Imee Hernandez on Saturday after the middle blocker suffered a left ankle sprain in the UAAP Season 84 women’s volleyball tournament opener.

Hernandez had to be carried off the court after a bad landing when the Tigresses were ahead 12-9 in the first set on Thursday at Mall of Asia Arena. The middle blocker was unable to return due to swelling in her left ankle.

“Her ankle is swollen. It was a bad landing. Hopefully, it’s just a grade one sprain,” said Reyes shortly after UST’s 25-23, 25-20, 25-21 opening win over Far Eastern University.

“Hopefully, she’ll be back next week. Because she’s really doubtful to play on Saturday.”

UST’s next opponent is University of the East.

Reyes is confident that their strength and conditioning coach and physical therapists would fast track the recovery of Hernandez, who finished with four points, providing two of the team’s four blocks.