Choco Mucho Flying Titans spiker Des Cheng had to be helped out of the court at the Ynares Center in Antipolo on Thursday after a particularly awkward landing early in the second set of their match against the Cignal HD Spikers in the PVL Second All-Filipino Conference.
With the squads tied 2-2 in Set 2, Cheng ran up for a spike and landed on her right foot first, which then wobbled a bit. She fell back, trying to grab Thang Ponce for support, and then clutched her right knee.
Cheng then rolled to her side and covered her face, still on the floor.
Her teammates tried to help her sit and stand up, with fans cheering her on. Cheng gingerly walked to the bench as she was assisted by the medical staff.
After the match, which Choco Mucho won in straight sets, 25-21, 25-19, 25-18, coach Dante Alinsunurin could not share anything definitive about Cheng's status, although he said they're going to deal with it quickly.
"Medyo may problema sa lower (body) niya," he told reporters, motioning to the general area of the leg. "Wala pa kaming balita, kailangan pa ipa-check up."
Fans posted their well-wishes on social media for Cheng, who dealt with a torn ACL issue during her UAAP days with the De La Salle Lady Spikers.
Choco Mucho's victory was the first time against Cignal under Alinsunurin and the first one since the opening game of the 2022 PVL Open Conference bronze medal series.
The Flying Titans will have ample time to rest, which should bode well for Cheng, before returning to the court on Thursday against the Galeries Tower Highrisers in Santa Rosa, Laguna.
(With reports from Jamie Velasco, One Sports Digital)