A KNEE injury and unfamiliarity with the plays of the Philippine team has kept Ria Meneses out of action in the Asian Under-23 Women’s Volleyball Championship.
Netizens have been calling for Meneses, also known as ‘Riri’ to volleyball fans, to see more time on the floor for the Philippines in the Asian meet. Meneses did play for the Philippines on Tuesday night against Chinese Taipei but that was when the outcome was already decided.
Head coach Roger Gorayeb explained he doesn’t want Meneses to play heavy minutes as the University of Santo Tomas star is nursing a knee injury
“Meron siyang injury sa tuhod,” Gorayeb said. “Ayaw namin masyadong i-take ’yung risk kasi baka mamaya ’yung bata, pagbalik sa school team, hindi na makalaro.
“Meron siyang injury na hindi alam ng lahat. Iniingatan din namin ’yung bata,” Gorayeb said.
The multi-titled coach added Meneses only attended a few practices during the Philippines’ three-week training for the Asian Under-23 although it was not clear whether the injury was the reason for her absences.
Meneses and EJ Laure were two of only four players who attended the team’s first practice, but missed other sessions during the three weeks of training.
“Si EJ, during our practice, hindi sila nakakarating ni Meneses. ‘Yung kilos nila, hindi nila kabisado,” said Gorayeb.
Despite the limited playing time, Gorayeb commended the two UST girls for their sacrifices.
“Wala silang ka-ere ere sa katawan. Malaking karangalan na sa kanila na mapasama sila dito,” said Gorayeb.
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