After suffering an ACL injury in her left knee, UST Golden Tigresses graduating open spiker Jonna Perdido is gradually rediscovering her old form.
In UST’s recent win over the UE Lady Red Warriors, Perdido delivered her best performance of the season so far, finishing with 10 points built on 6 attacks, 3 service aces, and 2 blocks. She also contributed 6 excellent digs and 4 excellent receptions in an all-around effort.
In contrast, the young open spiker managed just a combined 10 points in UST’s first three matches against the NU Lady Bulldogs, La Salle Lady Spikers, and Ateneo Blue Eagles—a clear sign that she was still not in top form.
Jonna Perdido’s Reemergence Coming at Perfect Time
With upcoming matches against the Adamson Lady Falcons, UP Fighting Maroons, and FEU Lady Tamaraws, Perdido’s resurgence comes at a crucial stretch in the elimination round of the UAAP Season 88 women’s volleyball tournament.
“Malaking bagay po siya na nakuha ko ‘yung kumpiyansa ko nang dahan-dahan. So sa next game, I think magdo-double and triple effort pa ako,” Perdido said following their victory over UE.
Playing at the UST Quadricentennial Pavilion—the same venue where the Golden Tigresses train daily—also provided an added boost. Perdido acknowledged the advantage of performing in front of a predominantly Thomasian crowd.
“Siguro, tinake advantage po namin ‘yung homecourt and nilaro lang talaga namin kung paano kami maglaro as a team. So ayun, ‘yun naman ‘yung naging resulta, ‘yung nanalo kami kasi ‘yun ‘yung goal this game,” she shared.
“Ako po, masaya kasi dito po may isang game na dito po ‘yung court. Ayun lang, pinakita lang namin kung sino kami.”
More Improvements Are to Come
Despite the encouraging signs, Perdido admitted she is not yet at full strength.
“Nasa 8 (out of 10) kasi nabigyan po ako ng playing time ngayon na laro, so thankful ako kay Coach Shaq. And this game, minindset ko lang na ilabas lang ‘yung kung paano ako maglaro.”
Perdido and the Golden Tigresses look to sustain their momentum when they face Adamson on Saturday, March 7, at the Smart Araneta Coliseum.
