Imee Hernandez had just celebrated her birthday too.
The Nxled Chameleons were up by one set and were poised to take another against the Chery Tiggo Crossovers on Thursday in the PVL Second All-Filipino Conference when middle blocker Imee Hernandez jumped for an attack for the ladies in white.
She landed on her left leg and immediately went down, clutching her knee.
The medical team pulled out a stretcher, but Hernandez instead was pulled up and helped to walk out of the court.
And she had just celebrated her birthday too.
Mylene Paat, who is dealing with a foot injury herself, shared their thoughts after seeing Hernandez off.
"Naglalaro kami kanina para kay Imee. Of course, personally, may mga trauma din sa mga ganung situation. Pero nawala 'yung kaba ko sa loob ng court," she told reporters after the match.
Hernandez's bad landing happened when Nxled was up, 20-15. The Crossovers fought back hard to snatch the extended set, 31-29, which lasted up to 46 minutes.
They eventually won the match, 22-25, 31-29, 25-23, 28-26.
Paat scored 16 points, three of them coming from blocks, as she eased her way back to the court.
"Kahit may iniinda ako, may nararamdaman ako, 'di nila ako minamadali na makabalik," she shared. "Sobrang nagtitiwala ako sa process, sa progression na binibigay sa 'kin."
Eya Laure led all scorers with her 23 points, 20 coming from attacks, along with three blocks. She also had 13 excellent digs.
"Nag-uusap lang 'yung team na para rin kay Imee. Nandun kami, lalaban para sa kanya. Extra motivation para 'di kami bumitaw o ibigay lang 'yung laro na ganun-ganun lang," Laure said.
Coach Kungfu Reyes said they have yet to know the full diagnosis for Hernandez, but he hopes it's nothing major.
"We're praying na nagulat lang," he said.
Chery Tiggo will immediately get back into action this Saturday, November 11, against the PLDT High Speed Hitters at 6 p.m.
It will be aired on One Sports, One Sports+, and the Pilipinas Live app.
(With reports from Jamie Velasco, One Sports Digital)
(CF)