GOLDEN Tigresses team captain Tin Francisco is expected to miss the UAAP Season 81 volleyball tournament after suffering an anterior cruciate ligament injury in the left knee.
Francisco sustained the injury during the Tigresses’ 21-25, 25-16, 23-25, 19-25 loss against the University of the Philippines in the Philippine Super Liga Collegiate Grand Slam finals last Dec. 20.
She is scheduled to undergo knee surgery tomorrow at the UST Hospital.
“Nakakapanghinayang pero sa ngayon, focus muna ako sa rehabilitation,” Francisco told the Varsitarian.
Head coach Emilio “Kung Fu” Reyes Jr. said Francisco is a “big loss” to the team but the Tigresses’ rookies are enough to make up for her absence.
“Malaking impact sa team ang pagkawala niya kasi veteran siya pero may mga rookies naman kami na puwedeng i-train” he said.
Caitlyn Viray is expected to fill in Francisco’s position as middle blocker for the Tigresses, while four-time UAAP beach volleyball Most Valuable Player Sisi Rondina is being eyed as the new team captain.
