Injured Monares to sit out first round of UAAP Season 88 volleyball for UP

MANILA, Philippines — University of the Philippines’ Joan Monares is expected to miss the first round of the UAAP Season 88 women’s volleyball due to a back injury, she said.

Monares will miss at least the first few games of the season due to desiccated discs with disc bulge, she told reporters at the sidelines of the volleyball press conference Wednesday at the Mall of Asia Arena.

“Playable pa naman siya now, pero we don’t want to push it na baka mas lumala. So, we’re managing it pa,” she said.

The outside hitter, though, assured that she will not be out for the season.

“Medyo matagal. Recent lang naman nalaman yung injury ko na yun, so for me din, medyo nakakalungkot na I won’t get to play at the start of the season,” she said.

Still, the Fighting Maroons will be a formidable squad this season, thanks to veterans Irah Jaboneta, Nina Ytang and new recruits Casiey Dongallo, Jelai Gajero and Kizzie Madriaga.

The team will also have a new coach in Fabio Menta.

“But, I’m trying to remind myself to be patient kasi there are girls talaga na willing to step up for that position inside the court. So, hindi ako takot na wala ako sa loob, I’m more of proud sa girls na they can do it without me,” she added.

The injury, Monares bared, happened about a couple of weeks before the Shakey’s preseason volleyball tournament.

“But upon rehab, wala talagang improvement so tsaka kami nagpa-test. So, doon nalaman na meron,” she said.

Last season, UP finished sixth in the standings with a 6-8 win-loss record.

“So for now, malaking tulong si Irah in terms of playing inside the court, helping the girls to play with each other, gel the team na nasa loob na naglalaro, even with Nina,” she said.

“I really appreviate yung mga seniors for stepping up while I’m not there.”

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