Chery Tiggo's Imee Hernandez had her best outing since returning from injury in the 2025 PVL Invitational against Kobe Shinwa.
Imee Hernandez delivered her strongest outing since returning from knee injury, showing flashes of her old form in Chery Tiggo’s hard-fought clash against Kobe Shinwa in the 2025 PVL Invitational.
Hernandez finished with 17 points, including five blocks, and her all-around play helped the Crossovers push the Japanese side to the brink before bowing in a five-set thriller, 25-21, 25-17, 24-26, 22-25, 6-15.
Despite her strong performance, the talented middle blocker emphasized it was more about repaying the trust given to her by the Crossovers.
“Actually, hindi ko siya masyadong inisip kanina kasi naka-focus lang ako dun sa role na binigay sakin ng coaches and siyempre ‘yung kumpiyansa din na binibigay nila sakin,” Hernandez told One Sports.
“Ayoko namang sayangin ‘yung [tiwala], and gusto ko lang talaga mag-bounce back sa mga performances ko nung mga past few games.”
The former UST standout admitted she’s still regaining her rhythm after nearly two years on the sidelines.
Since her return in the PVL on Tour, Hernandez has leaned on her teammates and coaches for encouragement as she works her way back to top form.
“Nandun pa ako sa point na kinakapa ko pa ulit kung ano ako before,” she said. “Pero with the help ng teammates, coaches, and management, ‘yung kumpiyansa talaga hindi nawala. Kaya ako nag-pursige na mag-comeback is para makatulong ako sa team.”
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While it was a heartbreaking defeat for the Crossovers, the team will have to turn its focus to the battle for bronze against the Creamline Cool Smashers.
But with just a one-day break in between, Hernandez underscored the importance of recovery before their final game.
“Siguro recovery muna kasi nag-five sets kami kanina, so hindi pa din ganun ka-kondisyon ‘yung legs ko,” she shared.
“Hopefully by Sunday maka-recover kaming lahat kasi nga madami ding may sakit sa team, madaming may lagnat, may ubot at sipon, so recovery muna 'yung pinaka-importante for now.
(With reports from Jamie Velasco/One Sports)