ALYSSA Valdez and Jia Morado showed up for the national team practice despite their minor injuries, reaffirming their commitment to once again fly the flag in tournament overseas.
The Creamline duo and former Ateneo teammates were on the sidelines during the training on Thursday at Arellano gym in Legarda, Manila supervised by Shaq delos Santos, who replaced Ramil de Jesus as national coach.
Valdez was nursing a swollen right ankle while Morado hurt her right shoulder during Creamline's match against Iriga-Navy in the Premier Volleyball League on Wednesday.
Valdez later explained her inability to join practice.
“Last night kasi sobrang sumakit ‘yung Achilles (tendon) and then I had it checked this morning. Tapos namamaga nga and Doc (Raul) Canlas said na baka Achilles tendinitis so he’d rather na rest muna,” said Valdez.
“When I was sleeping talaga biglang sumakit. Siguro something happened during the game or before the game na hindi ko lang napansin,” she added.
But the former Ateneo star assured that there’s nothing to worry about and that she can participate in the next training of the national team.
Morado hurt her right shoulder during a PVL game on Wednesday night. Creamline officials said she is out indefiitely but the former Ateneo setter played down the injury on Thursday.
"The doctor said na it's just tendinitis. I just need to fully rest and continue ice therapy for a week," said Morado.
Aside from Valdez and Morado, others who showed up for practice were Jaja Santiago, Aby Maraño, Mika Reyes, Denden Lazaro, CJ Rosario, Maika Ortiz, Rhea Dimaculangan, Mylene Paat, Rebecca Rivera, and Ces Molina.
Myla Pablo also attended but left early to attend training with Pocari Sweat-Air Force.
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