It was an unfortunate play in the thick of a nip-and-tuck UAAP finals opener.
De La Salle University Lady Spikers’ Thea Gagate apologized to counterpart Sheena Toring in the aftermath of a 18-25, 25-22, 22-25, 25-21, 15-13 win over the National University Lady Bulldogs in Game 1 of the UAAP Season 85 women’s volleyball finals on Sunday.
This after Toring hurt her left knee after awkwardly landing on Gagate’s foot in the final stretch of the deciding set.
She was down on the floor for a couple of minutes, clutching her left knee before being stretchered off the court.
“To be honest, akala ko siya pumasok [sa linya] pero ako pala. So siyempre na-feel bad ako kasi 'di ko naman 'yun sinasadya,” she said after the match at the Smart Araneta Coliseum.
“Sana hindi super masama injury niya and magpagaling. Siyempre as a friend, I’m sorry dun sa nangyari,” added Gagate.
Super rookie Angel Canino scored after that, before Bella Belen put NU to within one, 14-13. La Salle ultimately sealed the victory after Minerva Maaya committed an attack error in the final play.
NU has yet to provide an official update on Toring's injury status.
The Lady Spikers will try to close out the series in Game 2 on May 14, Sunday at the Mall of Asia Arena.
(GM)