FILE – Imee Hernandez lies on the floor after hurting her left ankle during UST’s game against FEU in the UAAP Season 84 women’s volleyball tournament. UAAP PHOTO
MANILA, Philippines—University of Santo Tomas head coach Kungfu Reyes hopes to welcome back middle blocker Imee Hernandez when the Golden Tigresses play University of the Philippines on Tuesday.
Hernandez hurt her left ankle in the first set of UST’s opening victory over Far Eastern University on Thursday.
“Hopefully, she’ll recover. At least 50 percent, she’ll be able to play,” Reyes said in Filipino on Saturday.
Hernandez missed the Tigresses’ straight-set win over University of the East on Saturday for a 2-0 record.
“She’s now able to walk without crutches so that’s a good indication. There are just certain exercises that she needs to clear,” Reyes said.
Eya Laure led the way for UST with 18 points while Camille Victoria tallied 13. Kecelyn Galdones and Ysabel Jimenez also stepped up with seven points apiece.
“It’s in our team’s culture that when someone gets injured, everyone else will step up,” Laure said.
If cleared to play, Hernandez’s return to form would certainly be of big help for the Tigresses when they take on the Fighting Maroons, who are also unbeaten after two games.