Photo credit: PVL

After 558 long days away from the court, Kianna Dy is finally back. The 5-foot-10 opposite spiker made her long-awaited return to competitive volleyball on Tuesday night, suiting up for the PLDT High Speed Hitters in the Premier Volleyball League (PVL).

Her comeback may have been brief—checking in during the fourth set against Cignal with PLDT up 16-7—but for Dy, it was a victory in itself. More than just a game, it was the culmination of nearly two years of hard work, patience, and perseverance after suffering a significant right knee injury in July 2023 while playing for the now-disbanded F2 Logistics.

A Journey of Patience and Resilience

"I guess as a player, I’ve been more patient with myself because the journey of me being here right now wasn’t really easy. It’s been a hard year," Dy admitted, her emotions evident after PLDT secured a 25-20, 25-21, 20-25, 25-22 win over Cignal.

She acknowledged that she’s still working her way back to full strength, saying, "I’m still trying to get to my 100 percent, and I’m slowly getting there. It hasn’t been easy, but thankfully with my teammates and my coaches, they make it easier for me kahit hirap na hirap na ako."

PLDT head coach Rald Ricafort admitted that Dy wasn’t even expected to play in this match just yet. "Actually, dapat hindi pa siya today kasi based sa progress ng recovery niya, kakatry niya lang mag back-to-back na hard training, nakaisa pa lang," Ricafort explained. "Pero nasubukan nang maaga-aga. Talagang complicated and mahirap yung naging process sa kanya."

A Fresh Start with Familiar Faces

Joining PLDT has been a new chapter for Dy, but it’s one made smoother by the presence of familiar faces. With former teammates from both F2 Logistics and De La Salle University—like Mika Reyes and Kim Fajardo—she’s found comfort in her new home.

"Since I’m new sa team, super excited to play because I was with my team before for the past years, and just to play with new faces is so refreshing," she said. "May familiar faces pa rin… para siyang naging mini reunion with Savi, sila Kath, so super happy. Choosing PLDT also with sila Ate Ye (Mika Reyes), La Salle people—so it’s been an easy transition for us in PLDT."

Looking Ahead

With her first game back in the books, Dy is focused on regaining her full form. Her return may have been just a small step, but for her and the PLDT High Speed Hitters, it’s a step in the right direction.

558 days later, Kianna Dy is back where she belongs—on the court, playing the sport she loves.