UAAP: UST holds breath as another hitter in Kyla Cordora gets injured in win over UE

The UST Golden Tigresses are hoping for the best as Kyla Cordora became the latest player to get injured during their UAAP Season 87 campaign, incurring a sprain during their 4-set win over the UE Lady Warriors on Saturday.

Cordora exited the game in the second set after landing awkwardly, which might further aggravate UST’s depleted core. Heading into the season, UST already lost two key spikers to injury — with Jonna Predido and Xyza Gula out of commission for the year.

[RELATED: Angge Poyos, UST Golden Tigresses fend off gutsy UE for first win in UAAP Season 87]

After the game, UST assistant coach Yani Fernandez said that they are waiting to find out the severity of Cordora’s injury.

“Well is Kyla, na-sprain. Ic-check namin kung anong grade yung sprain. So hopefully, maka-recover agad para dagdag tao sa UST,” said Fernandez.

Still, there was a lot of potential for the rest of the UST bench as rookie hitter Marga Altea stepped up to the plate.

Checking in for Cordora, Altea powered the 4-set victory off of the bench with 10 big points built off of six attacks, three blocks, and one ace.

Despite her good performance, Fernandez hopes the rest of the rookies will follow suit, especially as they get used to the pressure of the UAAP.

“Well kailangan talaga nilang i-adapt yung [laro nila sa] UAAP kasi maayos sa training, magaling sa training, magaling sa training camp, pero iba kasi yung usapan pagdating talaga ng may crowd, may officials na referees, yung pressure nandiyan na,” said Fernandez. 

“So again, yun nga yung sinasabi namin sa kanila na yakapin lang nila yung pressure. May mga rookies din kami na talaga na kapalit ng mga na-injure na players namin. So… eto nalang eh [mental toughness],” he added.

Health permitting, the UST Golden Tigresses will do well to expect a full-strength lineup when they test their mettle against the DLSU Lady Spikers on Wednesday, February 26, at the Mall of Asia Arena in Pasay City.