UST’s Milena Alessandrini. UAAP PHOTO
MANILA, Philippines — Milena Alessandrini returned to action and helped University of Santo Tomas regain its winning ways in the UAAP Season 85 women’s volleyball tournament.
The Filipino-Italian spiker said she feels better after missing one game due to a right ankle sprain, contributing 10 points and five excellent receptions in UST’s 25-17, 25-23, 25-20 win over University of the Philippines on Saturday at Philsports Arena.
“[I’m feeling] better. I’m still recovering better since last week. So, I’m back in training and I played in this game, so it’s fine,” said Alessandrini, who suffered an ankle injury in their five-set win over National University last week.
Alessandrini wore a libero jersey last Wednesday and didn’t play as the Tigresses absorbed a frustrating straight-set loss to the Adamson Lady Falcons.
The returning hitter is glad that she was able to return and help the squad bounce back to improve to a 3-2 record.
“Good victory. We need to win the remaining games of the first round. It’s very nice,” said Alessandrini.
UST coach KungFu Reyes admitted Alessandrini still has trauma from her previous ACL injury in 2019 that caused her absence in the previous seasons.
“The trauma is still there. Yesterday, she just started small jumps. I think there is still small swelling on her ankle that’s why we can’t push her hard,” Reyes said in Filipino.
“She still feels the pain but at least she recovers slowly. And now she’s playing again, even her attacks are not that strong but the percentage is still high. She is also a threat in blocking. We’re happy that she’s back,” he added.
Reyes hopes Alessandrini will regain her lethal form in the latter part of the season.
“We will pray that Milena will be at least 90% by the end of the first round. And hopefully, her recovery will continue until the last game of Season 85,” he said.