Hernandez tweaked her knee in the Crossovers' victory over the Nxled Chameleons.
The Chery Tiggo Crossovers zoomed up the standings on Saturday, bucking another slow start to turn back the PLDT High Speed Hitters, 14-25, 25-20, 28-26, 25-19.
The win was significant as it pushed Chery Tiggo to second in the standings with a 5-1 record just as it is set to go through a gauntlet—dates with the Cignal HD Spikers (November 21), F2 Logistics Cargo Movers (November 25), and Creamline Cool Smashers (November 28) in their next three games.
It was also extra meaningful for the Crossovers, who dedicated the match to Imee Hernandez, who injured her knee in Chery Tiggo’s match against the Nxled Chameleons the other day.
Hernandez suffered the injury in the second set of that match versus Nxled when she seemingly tweaked her left knee upon landing after an attempted spike. And, from that point forward, the Crossovers were no longer playing just for the points and the wins and the cheers.
They were playing for Hernandez, according to veteran Mylene Paat herself.
That continued against PLDT, with every Crossover seemingly sporting a shout out to Hernandez—from arm sleeves with the no. 5 inscribed on it, to Cza Carandang writing “FOR IMEE #5 on her sneakers, to Eya Laure writing “IMEE” on her wrist bandage.
After the match, at the postgame presser, assistant coach Kungfu Reyes gave an update on Hernandez’ injury.
“Waiting kami sa results ng MRI niya,” Reyes told the media. “Merong mga initial (diagnosis), pero until na-evaluate na ng doctors—first opinion, second opinion—naka-focus kami sa strengthening ni Imee. Siguro mga three weeks na strengthening…”
Now, the waiting game continues. But, hopefully, Hernandez' injury is nothing major and that she can play again soon.