Less than a week into the UAAP Season 87 Women’s Volleyball Tournament, Ateneo de Manila University has suffered a major setback, losing two key wing spikers to season-ending injuries.
Ahead of the Blue Eagles’ match against the NU Lady Bulldogs at 11:00 AM in the Filoil EcoOil Centre, head coach Sergio Veloso confirmed to Tiebreaker Times that both Zel Tsunashima and Jennifer Delos Santos will be unavailable for the remainder of the season.
Tsunashima, a third-year spiker from Ateneo de Davao University, sustained a broken left shin (tibia and fibula) after a freak injury during the fifth set of Ateneo’s five-set loss to Adamson University last Sunday at the SM Mall of Asia Arena.
The incident occurred with the Blue Eagles trailing 9-11.
Before the unfortunate injury, the 22-year-old outside hitter was one of Ateneo’s bright spots, tallying 10 points on nine attacks and one ace.
“Zel broke both her tibia and fibula. She underwent surgery two days ago, and fortunately, she is recovering well and has already begun physiotherapy. However, she won’t be able to play for the rest of the season,” Veloso told Tiebreaker Times.
(C) UAAP Season 87 Media Team
The Blue Eagles’ injury woes started even before the season began.
Delos Santos, a sophomore spiker from Sacred Heart – Ateneo de Cebu, suffered a torn left ACL during Ateneo’s final practice before their season opener against Adamson.
Veloso revealed that the injury occurred during the team’s last tune-up match on Friday, February 14. Delos Santos landed awkwardly on her left leg after a play, leading to the ligament tear.
“Yeah, it happened last Friday during our tune-up. She landed on one leg, and unfortunately, another player made contact with her. That caused the injury,” Veloso confirmed.
The back-to-back injuries have taken a toll on Ateneo’s morale and focus, with even Sobe Buena and Zey Pacia dealing with minor injuries. However, Veloso remains optimistic that his squad can weather the storm.
“We have to push through because injuries are part of the sport. At this level, athletes play at the limit, and unfortunately, these things happen. But the good news is that our team is in good physical condition and capable of recovering well. We’ll bounce back from this,” he concluded.
