ILAGAN, ISABELA — The long road to recovery is finally paying off for Kianna Dy and Jovie Prado.
After enduring extended battles with knee injuries, the two veteran wing spikers returned to action for PLDT in the 2024–25 PVL All-Filipino Conference. While they initially struggled to regain their old form, the signs of progress were clear on Saturday night.
Dy and Prado led the High Speed Hitters to a dominant 25-22, 25-15, 25-16 sweep of the Petro Gazz Angels at the Capital Arena here, keeping their unbeaten record in the 2025 PVL On Tour intact.
Prado shone with a team-high 12 points and 13 excellent receptions, while Dy added 10 points in a solid all-around performance.
For both players, the comeback has been all about staying committed to the daily grind in the gym and trusting the process of healing.
“It’s an everyday process and ayun, improve lang kami nang improve sa training to get more feel of the court because we came from our injuries,” said Dy, who missed 559 days before returning to action last January.
“And of course, with the help of our coaches and teammates na very patient with us and tinulungan din kami to get to where we are right now.”
(C) PVL Images
Prado, who returned from an ACL tear, echoed the sentiment. “Tiwala lang din kami sa process, sa katawan namin na coming from injury nga. Last time nga nag-a-adjust pa, hanggang ngayon naman nag-a-adjust pa rin kasi matagal din kaming nawala. Tiwala lang din talaga kami.”
PLDT head coach Rald Ricafort expressed his appreciation for the team’s patient and supportive culture, especially when it comes to injured players working their way back into top form.
“Yun naman yung naging story ng PLDT — na nade-develop mo, may mga accidents na ganito, nagiging patient naman kami sa mga nagkakaroon ng injuries,” said Ricafort.
“Pero ayun nga, mini-make sure namin na pagbalik nila, 100 percent na talaga sila. Yung patience na binibigay, nandoon naman palagi.”
While Dy and Prado’s steady return has boosted the squad, Ricafort is still hoping for a complete lineup soon.
Fil-Canadian scorer Savi Davison has yet to suit up in the preseason, while rookies Alleiah Malaluan and Dell Palomata are unavailable due to their commitments with Alas Pilipinas.
“Habol sana talaga namin ma-complete kami — buong lineup — pero nag-u-up and down eh. Nung wala sila, iba yung nagpe-perform, nung nandito na sila, kulang na naman kami,” Ricafort shared.
“Goal sana namin na makumpleto kami… Sana soon.”
