PLDT announced moments before its do-or-die game against Chery Tiggo that Jovy Prado has been ruled out for the rest of the Premier Volleyball League 2023 season due to an ACL tear on her left knee.
The loss of Prado became a significant blow to the High Speed Hitters, but they were able to pull off a 25-21, 16-25, 25-23, 25-27, 15-12 escape against the Crossovers to complete the Invitational Conference semifinals cast on Tuesday evening at the Philsports Arena.
Mean Mendrez, one of the PLDT players who helped fill the hole left by Prado, made sure to give her all to continue the High Speed Hitters’ run to the semis for her “Ate Jovy.”
“Lahat po ng pinaghirapan talaga namin offseason nagbubunga kahit nakulangan kami ng isa, sabi naman ni coach kahit nakulangan kami ng isang player, hindi naman kami nakulangan sa strength namin kasi yun naman yung motivation namin,” said Mendrez, who dropped a team-high 16 points on 13 attacks and three blocks in less than four sets of action.
“Para kay Ate Jovy lahat.”
Mendrez and Dell Palomata joined hands in PLDT’s finishing kick, scoring their team’s final five points to clinch the marathon battle against retooled Chery Tiggo.
Palomata herself had a game with 14 points, including a crucial block and a staredown on Imee Hernandez that sent them to match point.
“Siguro test of character na laging nareremind sa players, so galing na kami doon sa pangit na talo, sabi namin ang mindset lang today talagang wag na bigyan ng pressure kung sinong mananalo, siya makakapasok,” said Ricafort, citing their straight sets loss to Creamline last Thursday.
“Basta normal game, kailangan level lang palagi, yung motivation namin na extra yung kay Jov pa rin kasi gusto namin talaga ibigay sa kanya.”
Mendrez shared that before the game, Prado informed the team of her injury.
The High Speed Hitters did not let Prado worry about the game; instead, they promised to win it for their outside hitter.
“Before lang po bago niya iannounce yung injury niya, parang nag-ano lang kami na okay lang yan Ate Jovy huwag kang malungkot, kami na lang yung bahala, kami na yung magbabawi sayo para sa team,” said Mendrez.
PLDT finished Pool A at 3-1 and will face Pool B top seed Cignal on Thursday to kick off the semifinals.
The High Speed Hitters will then face F2 Logistics, Bac Ninh of Vietnam, and Kurashiki of Japan.
They will start the semis at 0-1 due to their loss against Pool A leader Creamline.
