PLDT High Speed Hitters head coach Rald Ricafort admitted that Kim Kianna Dy's return to the PVL court actually came earlier than expected, but still welcome nonetheless.
Kim Kianna Dy’s long-awaited return to the PVL court was an emotional moment for both her and the PLDT High Speed Hitters.
Following their crucial four-set win over the Cignal HD Spikers, head coach Rald Ricafort emphasized the patience and careful approach they are taking in integrating Dy into the team.
“Actually, hindi pa siya dapat today kasi based dun sa progress ng recovery niya, kaka-try niya lang mag back-to-back,” Ricafort said during the post-game press conference. “Naka-isang beses pa lang siya na back-to-back na hard training so ini-incorporate pa lang namin siya onti-onti, pero nasubukan ng maaga-aga.”
Despite the early return, Ricafort is pleased with the 29-year-old opposite hitter’s steady progress, acknowledging the long and complicated road to recovery she endured over the past 559 days.
“‘Yung tagal dun sa recovery niya, we’ve been very patient naman. Hindi lang naman ‘yan judgement na para hindi siya gamitin. Talagang complicated and mahirap process niya. Kahit siya naging impatient na rin at times, pero gusto talaga namin na kapag nakabalik siya, less na iisipin niya at mas fluid galaw,” he explained. “Hopefully, mas tuloy-tuloy na recovery.”
[ALSO READ: PVL: Kianna Dy gets emotional after long journey back from knee injury in PLDT debut]
With Dy still working her way back into game shape, Ricafort stressed the importance of multiple scorers stepping up for PLDT, especially with the level of competition rising in the PVL.
In their previous match, Davison was the lone double-digit scorer for the High Speed Hitters with 27 points as the team fell to the Choco Mucho Flying Titans.
“May mga times na games na medyo mental game pero from the last game, present naman ‘yung mga tao,” Ricafort said. “At this level na lahat nag-iimprove, kailangan talaga ng output ng at least three to four spikers aside dun sa pino-produce ni Savi.”
“Kailangan numbers namin at least three na double-digit, aside from dun sa pino-produce ni Savi. Pag wala ‘yun tapos nag-ikot kami ng tao, mahihirapan at mahihirapan talaga,” he added.
Even though Dy is not yet at her full strength, Ricafort believes her mere presence already makes a huge difference for PLDT.
“Kahit nung kababalik-balik niya lang sa training, malaking bagay ‘yung presence niya eh. Kahit paunti-unti lang siya sa scrimmage, siya pa rin ‘yan eh,” Ricafort noted.
[ALSO READ: Kianna Dy has her patience tested during long injury recovery | Off the Record]
Her return also serves as motivation for the rest of the team, particularly those stepping up in her absence.
“Kahit hindi pa 100% yung Kianna na nakakalaro sa first six, nakakatulong sa improvement namin. So, nandiyan siya, ‘yung ibang subs namin nagtatrabaho pa rin ng mahirap—ayun sila Jessie [De Leon] and Mika [Reyes], so happy kami na at least nadagdagan kami na alam namin makakatulong sa improvement ng team,” said Ricafort.
While Dy’s journey back to her ‘Point City’ self is still ongoing, PLDT is making sure to handle her recovery with care, knowing that when she’s fully ready, she will be an invaluable weapon in their All-Filipino campaign.