By Will Imperial
Mika Reyes, a key player for PLDT, will be absent for the entire 2024 Premier Volleyball League (PVL) All-Filipino Conference due to a persistent shoulder injury that necessitated a carefully considered decision to undergo surgery.
PLDT head coach Rald Ricafort officially disclosed this information during the PVL Media Day at the TV5 Media Center on Monday night.
Reyes has been grappling with the shoulder issue since the previous year, prompting the need for a comprehensive rehabilitation process.
Coach Ricafort provided insights into Reyes’s situation, stating, “Si Mika, nagre-rehab. Ngayong conference? Hindi… Hindi siya makakalaro. Nag-ano siya, operation. Same pa rin ng dati.”
While the exact duration of her absence remains uncertain, Coach Ricafort affirmed that Reyes will not be participating in the upcoming conference, undoubtedly disappointing fans and necessitating a reassessment of the team dynamics.
With the star player out of the lineup, attention now shifts to newcomer Majoy Baron, tasked with filling the significant gap left by Reyes in the team’s roster.
Coach Ricafort, expressing confidence in Baron’s abilities, stated, “Sakto naman nga kasi si Majoy (Baron) naman ‘yung pumalit so kahit papaano kung hindi ‘man better pa, okay naman din.”
In addition to Baron, the PLDT High Speed Hitters will rely on the talents of Dell Palomata, Rachel Austero, and Jessey De Leon to fortify the team’s middle in the absence of Mika Reyes.
