In just two days of action, multiple players have already suffered injuries in the ongoing UAAP Season 87 Volleyball Tournament.
University of Santo Tomas Golden Spikers ace player and back-to-back UAAP MVP Josh Ybañez suffered a devastating injury that would sidelined him for weeks. The De La Salle University Green Spikers also missed the service of their veteran spiker Vince Maglinao, who wore walking boots and had crunches as he walked to the sidelines.
In the women’s division, two players got injured in the match between Ateneo de Manila University Blue Eagles and Adamson University Lady Falcons, with one player completely out for the season.
UST’s Josh Ybañez
Back-to-back UAAP MVP and University of Santo Tomas Golden Spikers ace player Josh Ybañez suffered an injury late in the fourth set of their match against the Far Eastern University Tamaraws, where his team suffered a 20-25, 25-22, 25-16, 25-20 defeat.
Late in the fourth set, Ybañez twisted his knee as he landed on the left foot of second-year middle blocker Trevor Valera after attempting a back-row hit. After the game, Golden Spikers head coach Odjie Mamon assured fans that Ybañez was rushed to the hospital.
The team has yet to provide an official statement regarding Ybañez’s injury, but he is expected to be out for weeks.
Ateneo’s Zel Tsunashima
In the fifth set of their 25-21, 25-20, 12-25, 15-25, 12-15 defeat against the hands of the Adamson University Lady Falcons, Ateneo de Manila University Blue Eagles third-year spiker Zel Tsunashima suffered a left leg injury after landing awkwardly as she attempted to block Shaina Nitura.
Tsunashima was stretchered off the court, and Blue Eagles head coach Sergio Veloso did not hide the severity of his player’s season-ending injury.
“Unfortunately, I think it’s bad. I think she broke her leg. In this situation, she may not play this season, but she is still on our team. No matter if she stays inside the court or on the bench with us, she’s part of our team. Everybody will stay together and everybody will stay with her,” Veloso said after the match.
The morning after, Veloso confirmed to Daily Tribute his initial assessment of Tsunashima’s injury as she sustained fractures in her legs. “She had surgery this morning to put the bones back in place. The surgery went well. Now, we will have to wait for her rehabilitation, but she will not be able to play this UAAP season.”
Adamson’s Mayang Nuique
In the first set, Adamson University Lady Falcons middle blocker Mayang Nuique was wheelchaired off the court after hurting her right ankle in their 21-25, 20-25, 25-12, 25-15, 15-12 victory against the Ateneo de Manila University Blue Eagles.
Tied at 8-all, Nuique attempted a block but awkwardly landed on the foot of Ateneo spiker Lyann de Guzman. Thankfully, Nuique returned to the court to cheer for her team on the sideline after getting treated for an apparent ankle injury.
Adamson has yet to provide an official statement regarding Nuique’s injury as of writing time.
DLSU’s Vince Maglinao
De La Salle University Green Spikers veteran spiker Vince Maglinao did not play in their opening match against the defending champions National University Bulldogs, where they suffered a 25-23, 25-21, 25-18 loss.
Vince was present during the match, limited to cheering his team from the sidelines. Vince can be seen walking with crutches while wearing walking boots on his right foot.
