It was a tough week for UST's favorite amiga.
Milena Alessandrini wasn't 100% when the University of Santo Tomas Golden Tigresses took down the Ateneo Blue Eagles on Saturday in the second round of the UAAP Season 85 women's volleyball tournament.
Still in the process of regaining her best form back from a series of knee injuries, coach KungFu Reyes said his key player suffered from a flu-like condition during the Holy Week break.
"'Yung Milena, from performance ng [De La Salle University Lady Spikers], tinrangkaso. Pero tinago lang namin kasi baka [maging] confident 'yung kalaban," Reyes told media members after their four-sets win over Ateneo.
"'Yung Holy Week parang naging hell week kay Milena."
Despite the hell week, Alessandrini managed to put up significant numbers for UST against the squad from Katipunan. She scored 10 points, but Coach KungFu particularly praised her defense. The Filipina-Italian tallied a team-best36 receptions, including 10 excellent receives in the win.
"At least naka-recover naman siya. What matters most is depensa niya nandun e. Malaking bagay."
The Golden Tigresses will need more of Alessandrini's contributions as they make a push for the twice-to-beat edge for the Final Four. Their remaining assignments are the Far Eastern University Tamaraws (April 19), the defending champions National University Lady Bulldogs (April 26), and the University of the Philippines Lady Maroons (April 30).