Kim Malabunga injures ankle before Criss Cross’ Spikers’ Turf opener

Criss Cross faced a major setback just minutes before their debut in the 2024 Spikers’ Turf Invitational Conference on Wednesday.

Kim Malabunga dislocated his right ankle and sprained his left ankle after landing on a ball during an attack attempt in the official warm-up.

He was taken off the court in a wheelchair.

Heartbreak for Kim Malabunga as he suffers a freak injury before Criss Cross’s #SpikersTurf2024 Invitational Conference debut against VNS, stepping on a ball during a routine warmup 🏐

📹 @jonashdcd /Tiebreaker Times pic.twitter.com/FDJNTGSEpI

— Tiebreaker Times (@tiebreakertimes) October 16, 2024

In Malabunga’s absence, Chu Njigha and Rex Intal were thrust into starting roles as middle blockers for Criss Cross in their opening match against VNS at the Ynares Sports Arena in Pasig City.

With Lucca Mamone in street clothes, Gian Glorioso will serve as the team’s only middle blocker reserve moving forward.