SHE is set to undergo surgery, but rookie Kat Tolentino is still expected to be part of the Ateneo Lady Eagles' lineup by the second round of the UAAP women’s volleyball tournament next year.
Team manager Tony Boy Liao is confident the promising Fil-Canadian can rejoin the reigning two-time champions in the coming Season 78 even after surgery to repair damage on her ACL (anterior cruciate ligament) on the right knee.
“Ila-lineup pa rin naming siya, makakalaro pa siya sa second round,” said Liao.
[See Doc confirms Kat Tolentino out six months with ACL injury]
The 6-foot-2 Tolentino said she remains undecided on when to have her operation, days after suffering the injury while warming up for the Lady Eagles’ game against University of Santo Tomas in the Shakey’s V-League Season 12 Collegiate Conference at The Arena in San Juan.
On Thursday, Tolentino and her mom discussed with noted orthopedic surgeon Dr. Raul Canlas her options.
“Dr. Canlas had already discussed the surgery with Kat and her mom,” Liao said. “If ever the surgery will happen, it will take five months for Kat to play. Kat and mom will discuss it.”
Tolentino is ranked among the Top 10 volleyball players in the Vancouver area.