Chery Tiggo’s Imee Hernandez limps off the court during their game in the PVL All-Filipino Conference. –MARLO CUETO/INQUIRER.net
MANILA, Philippines — Eya Laure offered Chery Tiggo’s hard-earned four-set win to teammate Imee Hernandez, who hurt her left knee, in the 2023 Premier Volleyball League (PVL) second All-Filipino Conference on Thursday at Philsports Arena.
Hernandez injured her left knee after a bad fall from a spike attempt when the Crossovers trailed the Chameleons in the second set, 15-20. The young middle blocker refused to be stretchered out but she was carried out of the court and didn’t return.
But Laure and the rest of the Crossover stayed composed, fighting back in the extended second set en route to a 22-25, 31-29, 25-23, 28-26 win over Nxled for the joint second place.
Hernandez later came out with a knee brace and watched the game.
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“We just talked to each other and offered this game to Imee. We have an injured teammate, so we had to fight for her,” said Laure in Filipino after dropping 23 points.
“She wanted to win this game so we worked hard to achieve it for her. She was an extra motivation for us that’s why we didn’t give up in this game,” she added.
Mylene Paat, who chipped in 16 points, lauded Laure for encouraging the whole team after Hernandez was taken out of the game.
“We have traumas from that kind of situation. Thankfully, Eya spoke to us to dedicate this game to Imee. It kind of loosened us a bit,” she said in Filipino.
Chery Tiggo deputy coach Kungfu Reyes said the team is praying it’s just a minor injury for the young middle blocker.
“We’re praying that she was just shocked since she already has a trauma. I was praying during the game, hoping that she’s okay. She was able to land but her knee buckled. We’re all praying that she’ll be ok,” said Reyes.
The Crossovers battle the PLDT High Speed Hitters on Saturday at the same venue in Pasig City.