National University hit a snag after two of their integral cogs were ruled out of the UAAP Season 82 Women’s Volleyball Tournament.
Über-athletic hitter Princess Robles will not be suiting up for the resurgent Lady Bulldogs due to eligibility issues; meanwhile, setter Joyme Cagande will be on the sidelines once again because of another injury.
The shocking turn of events was confirmed by incoming sophomore libero Jennifer Nierva.
“Nu’ng una talagang siyempre nalungkot kasi ang mindset namin, nandoon na papasok na si Joyme ulit. Si Princess, siyempre talagang siya ang nagko-contribute sa team last season.”
With her high-flying attacks, Robles pummeled her way to an average of 13.5 points per game to wind up as the league’s sixth-leading scorer in just her rookie season a year ago. This year, however, she failed to meet the eligibility requirement.
Still, the Best Server of Season 81 remains with NU, and is currently training with the team.
“Nagti-training na po siya sa amin. For eligibility [hindi siya naka-enroll], but for now, enrolled na po siya,” Nierva disclosed.
On the other hand, injuries continue to hound Cagande in the collegiate scene.
The promising playmaker suffered an anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) tear on her left knee in her rookie season. After seeing her maiden campaign cut short, she recuperated for a return in the forthcoming volleyball wars, until another misfortune befell her with a right knee injury in a tune-up match last month.
“Nu’ng first injury kasi niya, ‘yung left niya ‘di na siya nakakatayo after ng surgery and after niya ma-injure. ‘Yung right nakalakad pa siya, ganoon ang sabi ng doctor niya,” Nierva said.
“Pero ang good thing naman po ang right niya stronger than her left.”
Amid these roster setbacks, NU remains focused on making a better run in the collegiate circuit than last year.
“After namin nalaman na hindi sila puwedeng maglaro, move forward kaagad. Inisip namin kung ano ang next? Ano ang gagawin namin? Ano ang adjustments?,” Nierva shared.
“After that happy ako na ang coaches namin they know what to do. Kung papaano mapupunan ang wala na mas better pa.”
