ARA Galang is no stranger to lengthy injury layoffs ever since her volleyball career first took flight at La Salle.
That’s why she knew just how to back her fellow Lady Spiker and ex-F2 Logistics teammate Jolina dela Cruz in her own 14-month rehab from an ACL injury.
In their first-ever PVL match as opponents since the Cargo Movers’ disbandment in 2023, Galang shared how proud she was to see dela Cruz healthy and at her best again.
READ: Chery Tiggo jumps back onto win column by downing Farm Fresh
“Sobrang nakaka-proud. Naalala ko, hindi ako nakanood nung game nila ng comeback niya, pero nakita ko yung result. Sabi ko, ‘Wow, grabe rin siya, miss na miss niya (na talaga maglaro),” said Galang.
For Chery Tiggo’s veteran spiker, the mental fortitude dela Cruz exhibited over the last year was nothing short of impressive - and she would know all too well, as she had to go through the very same experience herself.
“Props sa trinabaho niya all year or all the months na nag-rehab siya at nag-recover siya physically, mentally,” said Galang.
“Sobrang nakaka-proud na pinakita niyang parang madali, pero alam natin na hindi ‘yun madali eh. Nakaka-proud lang talaga.”
When a once-injured dela Cruz joined Farm Fresh, Galang was among the first to congratulate her with a few words of advice to lift her spirits in the early stages of her rehab.
Galang’s message to dela Cruz at the time? “Paghusayan mo pa lalo. Malayo at marami pa ang tatahakin mo. Pero magpagaling ka muna nang husto. See you on the other side of the court.”
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