THE UST Golden Tigresses’ Season 80 campaign suffered yet another blow with two key cogs hounded by injuries.
After their four-set loss to Ateneo de Manila Sunday, Fil-Italian rookie Milena Alessandrini might miss the rest of the first round because of a partial tear in the right shoulder.
“Di ko alam kung buong first round na pero sa [analysis] ko lang ‘yun. Sa susunod naman [na round], siguro baka naman [makalaro], depende sa recovery niya,” Coach Emilio “Kung Fu” Reyes said.
The 20-year-old outside hitter has been enduring shoulder pains since the Tigresses’ loss to defending champions De La Salle University Lady Spikers last Feb. 3.
Alessandrini finished with 11 points against the Lady Eagles. She has been a solid contributor to the Golden Tigresses, averaging 14.3 points in three outings.
“Kapag naturukan, talagang total rest na siya and hopefully after that, makalaro na siya,” Reyes said. “At least doon sa bandang dulo [ng season], nandoon siya. ‘Yun ‘yung importante.”
UST libero Rica Rivera also went down due to a right knee injury in the first set of the game against Ateneo. Results of her examinations are expected to be released tomorrow.
“Based naman sa X-ray, stable naman siya pero ia-admit muna [sa hospital] ng one day,” Reyes said.
UST has also ruled out top spiker EJ Laure for the entire season because of a chronic shoulder injury.
The Tigresses will try to bounce back against the Adamson University Lady Falcons on Sunday, Feb. 18, 4 p.m., at the same venue.
