(UAAP photo)

THE UST Golden Tigresses will be without outside hitter Jonna Perdido in the UAAP Season 87 women’s volleyball tournament after she underwent surgery for a complete left ACL tear on Jan. 13.

According to Alyssa Tomas, the team’s physical therapist, Perdido’s rehabilitation and recovery process is expected to take six to nine months. This means she will be out for the entirety of Season 87, which starts in February.

“Rehab siya for six to nine months. So ngayon, mag-start pa lang kami since nasa acute phase pa lang kami ng rehab,” Tomas told the Varsitarian

“Usually talaga, ‘yong six to nine months na ‘yon is more on the physical rehab pa lang, wala pa ‘yong psychological at mental. So binibigyan namin ng timeline, at least one year.” 

Perdido sustained the injury after a bad landing at the net during the Tigresses’ bronze-medal match against FEU at the Shakey’s Super League on Nov. 24. 

With Perdido sidelined for Season 87, the Golden Tigresses will rely on their deep roster of outside hitters, which includes Kyla Cordora, Renee Peñafiel, Xyza Gula, and Angeline Poyos.  

“Simula no’ng nangyari kasi kay Jonna ‘yong injury, mayro’n kaming time makapag-adjust,” UST head coach Emilio “Kung-Fu” Reyes told the Varsitarian. 

Team captain Detdet Pepito lamented Perdido’s loss but said it would serve as motivation for the season as the Tigresses aim for redemption. 

“After no’n, gustong-gusto kong bumawi, gusto ko mag-training, kasi unexpected talaga. Ano talaga, masakit na malungkot,” Pepito told the Varsitarian. 

“Hopefully, magawa namin this season. Nandito pa rin kami, lumalaban. Buti na lang may mga handa pa rin mag step-up.”

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