PLDT outside spiker Jovie Prado is expected to be out of the High Speed Hitters’ must-win match-up against Chery Tiggo in the 2023 Premier Volleyball League Invitational Conference on Tuesday.
According to head coach Rald Ricafort, Prado has already undergone an MRI for her left knee. The results are set to come out on Monday, which is why Prado remains doubtful for their clash against the Crossovers.
“Knee injury eh pero wala pang final. Pero yun nga, sa lagay niya ngayon, for sure yung Tuesday medyo malabo na eh, so wala pang final, Monday pa malalaman,” said Ricafort, as the Arellano University product sat out the team’s straight sets win over Gerflor on Saturday.
Prado had to be stretchered off the playing court after a bad landing late in the second set of the High Speed Hitters’ loss against the Cool Smashers last Thursday.
The availability of the 26-year-old outside hitter will be crucial for PLDT as the last semifinal spot in Group A is on the line against Chery Tiggo.
The Cool Smashers have already clinched the first playoff seat, while the High Speed Hitters and the Crossovers, both sporting 2-1 win-loss records, will fight for the final slot.
Despite missing Prado against the Defenders, the High Speed Hitters still made quick work of the new squad, winning 25-18, 25-17, 26-24 at the Philsports Arena.
Fiola Ceballos stepped up for PLDT with a game-high 13 points, while Dell Palomata, Michelle Morente, and Royse Tubino chipped in with 12, 11, and 10 points, respectively, in the victory.
PLDT will take on Chery Tiggo on Tuesday at 6:30 p.m. at the same venue.
