Mika Reyes will be on the shelf to open the 2024 PVL season.
The PLDT High Speed Hitters will miss the services of Mika Reyes for at least the 2024 PVL All-Filipino Conference.
PLDT head coach Rald Ricafort revealed that Reyes underwent a right shoulder operation to address a recurring injury, which has been a persistent medical concern since last year.
"Si Mika, nagre-rehab. Hindi (siya makakalaro). Nag-(undergo) siya ng operation," Ricafort shared during the PVL Media Day at the TV5 Media Center on Monday.
"Wala pang definite eh pero sure na 'yung ngayong conference na off muna siya."
In a span of months, the 29-year-old middle blocker already had two operations conducted on her right shoulder. She went under the knife in May before going through another surgery earlier this year.
As Reyes continues to recuperate, PLDT is banking on newcomer Majoy Baron from disbanded F2 Logistics, Jessey De Leon, Rachel Austero and Dell Palomata to hold the fort.
"So sakto naman nga na si Majoy 'yung pumalit. So, kahit papaano, kung hindi man better, okay pa naman din. Tapos kahit papaano andoon naman si De Leon and Austero," said Ricafort.
Even without their starting middle blocker, the High Speed Hitters, who missed out on a semifinals spot in the 2023 Second All-Filipino Conference with a 7-4 record, are eager to contend for a title in the upcoming season starting on February 20.