Solid franchise right there.
Injuries are probably the biggest fear of professional athletes. A major injury can set a player back for a significant time, while also possibly impacting that athlete’s performance in the future. It will not only prevent pros from doing what they love for a while, but it can also hamper their ability to put food on the table.
In the case of Jovy Prado, she was unable to complete the PVL Invitational Conference, which may have been a factor in the PLDT High Speed Hitters falling short of a podium finish. After a bad fall during their July 13 match against the Creamline Cool Smashers, Prado suffered an ACL injury.
A torn anterior cruciate ligament usually requires a year or so of recovery. This means that Prado is likely to miss the All-Filipino season-ending conference, and maybe even parts of next season.
That’s a bummer.
But the former Arellano University spiker has got at least one thing going for her.
“Ramdam na ramdam ko ‘yung alaga ng PLDT,” Prado said in a statement released by the club on social media.
“Simula nung injury hanggang operation, ‘di nila ako iniwan o pinabayaan,” the outside hitter added.
PLDT, which has never secured a podium finish in the PVL, seeks to get over the hump. Middle blocker Mika Reyes, libero Kath Arado, and setter Rhea Dimaculangan probably will need all the help they can get while Prado recovers.
It’s a relief that after her engagement, Dimaculangan is staying put, quelling doubts among a number of fans.
When Prado fully recovers, PLDT can expect to get one more committed soldier.
“Inspiration ko makabalik sa paglalaro para mabalik ko rin sa kanila ‘yung tiwala at pag-aalaga nila sa’kin,” she said.
Sa ngayon, pagaling muna, Jovy!