Sheena Toring was stretchered off the court late in the fifth set of the National University-De La Salle University Game 1 battle in the UAAP Season 85 women’s volleyball finals after suffering a left knee injury.
The 5-foot-8 middle blocker hurt her left knee after a block attempt on Thea Gagate with the Lady Spikers up 13-12. Toring then landed on Gagate’s foot.
La Salle was able to escape via an 18-25, 25-22, 22-25, 25-21, 15-13 decision on Sunday night at the packed SMART Araneta Coliseum.
During the post-game interview, Gagate offered her apologies to Toring for the unfortunate incident.
“Ako kasi to be honest akala ko siya yung pumasok pero ako pala,” recalled Gagate, who unloaded 17 points including a match-high four blocks. “Siyempre na-feel bad ako kasi hindi ko naman po yun sinasadya so sana lang po hindi super masama yung injury and magpagaling lang.
“Syempre as a friend I’m sorry doon sa nangyari.”
For her part, Toring has no hard feelings towards her former National University Nazareth School teammate.
“Disappointed syempre kasi Game One championship iyong laro namin. Kailangan talaga- lalo na ginagamit ako, first six ako I mean,” she said.
“Siguro part of the game lang. Move on nalang siguro. Wala na akong time mag-emote. Patapos na iyong season.”
Meanwhile, NU athletic trainer Dwight Demayo shared optimistic initial news on Toring.
The Lady Bulldogs PT said that Toring’s injury is “nothing serious” but did not give a timetable for her return as it will depend on her response.
“So far, intact naman, goods naman. So ngayon, depende kung gaano kabilis iyong response sa rehab,” said Demayo.
“Pero, so far, okay naman siya. Nothing serious naman.”
