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Mika Reyes And Mean Mendrez To Return To PLDT For PVL Invitational
Photo credit: PVL
PLDT Head Coach Rald Ricafort has confirmed that star players Mika Reyes and Mean Mendrez will make their much-anticipated return to the court after the one-week break in the 2023 Premier Volleyball League (PVL) Invitational Conference.
Unfortunately, the duo was unable to participate in PLDT's debut match against Akari last Saturday. However, Coach Ricafort provided an update on their conditions, assuring fans that both players are progressing well.
Reyes, who underwent a shoulder procedure during the All-Filipino Conference, is now in the final stage of her recovery. Mendrez, on the other hand, is nursing a minor knee injury. Despite these setbacks, Coach Ricafort expressed confidence in their abilities and stated that their absence was merely precautionary.
"Mean just had a recent knee issue, but it's not a big concern. Mika is still recovering from her shoulder, but she's doing well and able to keep up with the training," said Ricafort after PLDT's commanding 25-15, 25-19, 25-22 victory over the Chargers.
"Yes, everyone will be able to play [after the break]. We're just rotating the minutes. Actually, with Mean, she's not yet a hundred percent. She's healthy, just not a hundred percent," he continued.
During their absence, several members of the PLDT High Speed Hitters stepped up and delivered impressive performances against Akari. Middle blockers Dell Palomata and Jessey De Leon led the charge, contributing 14 and eight points, respectively. Outside hitters Jovie Prado, Michelle Morente, and newcomer Royse Tubino also made significant contributions with 13, 11, and eight points, respectively.
"We're very proud of Dell Palomata because her game has really matured since we started in January until now," Ricafort said. "Her performance in the SEA Games also helped, so we're happy with her progress. That's what we expected from her, and we're just continuing to develop her to improve even more," he added.
Looking ahead, Coach Ricafort emphasized that the team would utilize the one-week break to prepare for their upcoming matches. With a challenging schedule of games every other day, the High Speed Hitters are focused on maintaining their momentum and ensuring the players' well-being.
"Our mindset for this game was to give it our all since we only had one game before the break. So whatever happens today, we'll focus on preparing for the next games, especially considering our schedule is every other day," he said.
"It's challenging, so we need everyone's effort, and we'll rotate players as much as we can, so that if we're fortunate enough to advance to the semifinals, everyone will be healthy," he added.
Unfortunately, the duo was unable to participate in PLDT's debut match against Akari last Saturday. However, Coach Ricafort provided an update on their conditions, assuring fans that both players are progressing well.
Reyes, who underwent a shoulder procedure during the All-Filipino Conference, is now in the final stage of her recovery. Mendrez, on the other hand, is nursing a minor knee injury. Despite these setbacks, Coach Ricafort expressed confidence in their abilities and stated that their absence was merely precautionary.
"Mean just had a recent knee issue, but it's not a big concern. Mika is still recovering from her shoulder, but she's doing well and able to keep up with the training," said Ricafort after PLDT's commanding 25-15, 25-19, 25-22 victory over the Chargers.
"Yes, everyone will be able to play [after the break]. We're just rotating the minutes. Actually, with Mean, she's not yet a hundred percent. She's healthy, just not a hundred percent," he continued.
During their absence, several members of the PLDT High Speed Hitters stepped up and delivered impressive performances against Akari. Middle blockers Dell Palomata and Jessey De Leon led the charge, contributing 14 and eight points, respectively. Outside hitters Jovie Prado, Michelle Morente, and newcomer Royse Tubino also made significant contributions with 13, 11, and eight points, respectively.
"We're very proud of Dell Palomata because her game has really matured since we started in January until now," Ricafort said. "Her performance in the SEA Games also helped, so we're happy with her progress. That's what we expected from her, and we're just continuing to develop her to improve even more," he added.
Looking ahead, Coach Ricafort emphasized that the team would utilize the one-week break to prepare for their upcoming matches. With a challenging schedule of games every other day, the High Speed Hitters are focused on maintaining their momentum and ensuring the players' well-being.
"Our mindset for this game was to give it our all since we only had one game before the break. So whatever happens today, we'll focus on preparing for the next games, especially considering our schedule is every other day," he said.
"It's challenging, so we need everyone's effort, and we'll rotate players as much as we can, so that if we're fortunate enough to advance to the semifinals, everyone will be healthy," he added.
Jul 6, 2023
