PLDT High Speed Hitters’ Mika Reyes during the PVL Reinforced Conference opener. –MARLO CUETO/INQUIRER.net
MANILA, Philippines — Mika Reyes finally made her comeback from a shoulder injury that had sidelined her since the start of the season, helping PLDT pull the rug from under Creamline in the 2024 PVL Reinforced Conference on Tuesday.
After missing the All-Filipino Conference due to her recurring shoulder injury, Reyes returned as a starter and delivered crucial hits in the fifth set as the High Speed Hitters staved off the undermanned Cool Smashers, 16-25, 25-22, 24-26, 25-19, 15-12.
“When I was sidelined before, my teammates and coaches continued to trust and support me even though I had to prioritize my health for me to recover quickly. I’m grateful that their trust is still there and I reached the timeline set for my return and play this conference,” said Reyes in Filipino.
SCHEDULE: 2024 PVL Reinforced Conference
The star middle blocker, who was out of commission for seven months, only scored three points but two came from the fifth set before Russian Elena Samoileno put on the finishing touches to cap her 34-point explosion.
“It was tiring but we prepared well for this because we knew that it was going to be a tough game but our patience really helped us to get this win,” she said.
The former La Salle middle blocker also relished her reunion with setter Kim Fajardo and the other half of ‘Taft Tower’ Majoy Baron. The trio last played together with the national team in the 2017 Southeast Asian Games and the defunct F2 Logistics in 2016.
“It’s my first time to be with them in a game but since we’ve been together since they joined [PLDT] early this year. It felt that nothing changed. I’m very happy that we’re together again,” Reyes said.
READ: PVL: Elena Samoilenko powers PLDT past Creamline in five sets
Reyes, who returned with fit-again Jovie Prado, is leading an undermanned PLDT side which is missing the services of Savi Davison, who is out for the midseason conference due to a knee issue, and Alas Pilipinas player Dell Palomata as well as newly-wed Rhea Dimaculangan.
Another former Lady Spiker, Kianna Dy, remains day-to-day with her recovery timeline after sustaining a knee injury last year.
Despite PDLT pulling off a big win in her return and to start their Pool A campaign, Reyes reminds her team to stay focused in this short tournament as they battle Galeries Tower on Saturday.
“We can’t be complacent with our first win because [this game] is already over and we have to focus on our next game,” Reyes said.