Imee Hernandez marks emotional return with Chery Tiggo win in PVL on Tour play

Nearly two years after a devastating knee injury, Imee Hernandez finally made her much-awaited return to the PVL.

The former UST standout was back in action Saturday, helping the Chery Tiggo Crossovers rally past the Capital1 Solar Spikers, 20-25, 25-23, 25-12, 28-26, in their 2025 PVL on Tour opener at the Ynares Center in Montalban, Rizal.

Playing her first game since tearing her ACL in November 2023, Hernandez admitted feeling a wave of emotions as she stepped back onto the court.

"Kanina nandun pa din ‘yung takot pero siyempre kailangan natin i-overcome kasi ako lang din naman sa sarili ko makakagawa ng paraan," Hernandez said during the post-game press conference.

"Kanina lang din nag-sink in sakin na maglalaro na ako today. Naiiyak ako kanina kasi sabi ko parang nag-flashback sakin lahat ng pinagdaanan ko,” she added.

Hernandez suffered her injury on November 11, 2023, during a match against the Nxled Chameleons. She landed awkwardly on her left leg while attempting a spike.

Two years later, Imee put up eight points on six attacks and two blocks to mark her return.

More importantly, Hernandez’s comeback came with a win, as the Crossovers bounced back after a shaky opening set to claim their first victory of the preseason tour.

"Simula pa lang nung after nung surgery, talagang hinanda ko sarili ko kasi alam ko na hindi magiging madali ‘yung process to recovery,” she admitted. “Ramdam ko naman ‘yung kompiyansa na binibigay sakin ng teammates ko and especially ‘yung coaches ko kaya sobrang thankful ako.”

Hernandez also made sure to acknowledge the importance of the PVL on Tour as part of the team’s preparations. Now fully cleared to play, Hernandez is focused on staying consistent and helping the Crossovers gain momentum for the upcoming conferences.

"Talagang pinaghandaan namin kasi gusto namin ipakita kung ano meron kami,” said Hernandez.