NU’s Sheena Toring.–SSL PHOTO
MANILA, Philippines — National University coach Norman Miguel said Sheena Toring’s hard work paid off as she returned to action for the Lady Bulldogs four months after suffering a partial ACL tear in her left knee.
The young middle blocker wasn’t able to finish the fifth set of their Finals Game 1 loss to La Salle last May after a bad fall that took her out of the series. The Lady Bulldogs got dethroned by the Angel Canino-led Lady Spikers in Game 2 to rule the UAAP Season 85.
As NU started its road to redemption in the Shakey’s Super League (SSL) Collegiate Pre-Season Championship Season 2, a fit-again Toring showed up and made the most of her limited playing time in a 25-15, 25-19, 25-15 win over new-look University of the East.
“She didn’t need surgery. It’s only a partial tear. Grade 2 ACL. She only needed strengthening and continuous training. And she just got a clearance to play this week,” said the returning NU coach in Filipino. “She was already spiking when we were representing the national team during her training with our high school team.”
NU Lady Bulldogs.–SSL PHOTO
Miguel lauded the perseverance of the former UAAP Best Middle Blocker as she scored five points in the second set to help the Lady Bulldogs win their first assignment in Pool A.
“Sheena really worked hard. She didn’t stop [during her rehab and recovery.] She had a good performance today but we don’t want to rush her recovery,” he said.
Toring and the Lady Bulldogs, who ruled the inaugural season last year, have less than 24 hours to prepare against San Sebastian College (1-0) on Sunday at 5 p.m.
“Personally, I want to win the championship. We need to reach the top and we will work hard for that,” Miguel said.
“We have a short time to prepare for our next game. We will just rest and review the clips of our game to prepare for tomorrow,” he added.