SUMMARY
This is AI generated summarization, which may have errors. For context, always refer to the full article.
MANILA, Philippines – Beating defending champions and still undefeated Ateneo Lady Eagles thrice is already a huge mountain to scale for the De La Salle Lady Spikers in full force.
But the climb just got tougher without injured star Ara Galang.
National University Lady Bulldogs head coach Roger Gorayeb admitted La Salle will have its work cut out for them come Wednesday, March 11 for Game 1 of the stepladder Finals, as La Salle tries to win 3 times to dethrone Ateneo.
“Without Ara Galang, it will be very difficult for La Salle. Very, very difficult,” he said after the Lady Bulldogs got ousted with 4-set loss to the Lady Spikers on Saturday, March 7.
“Hindi naman slim yung chance (Chances aren’t necessarily slim) but it will be very difficult.”
Galang suffered season-ending tears in her anterior cruciate ligament (ACL), medial collateral ligament (MCL) and medial miniscus, including a big bone bruise towards the end of what would have been a very exciting victory on Saturday.
Tragedy struck when the former Rookie of the Year and Season 75 co-Most Valuable Player landed awkwardly on her left knee after scoring her 25th point of the match, which was enough to power La Salle to the Finals for the 7th straight season. She was stretchered off the court grimacing in pain and in tears.
“It will take a lot of strength for sa La Salle to overcome Ateneo because the confidence level of Ateneo is very, very high right now,” the former Ateneo head coach said. “Super high.”
Galang’s 25 points were made up of 21 kills and 4 blocks. She also averaged 17 points a game at the end of the eliminations.
La Salle lost not only one of their primary scorers, but also their leader and team captain.
Gorayeb was among the many who worried and sent their thoughts and prayers to Galang.
“Ang hirap noon eh. As a coach, kahit yan pa yung ace player mo or yan yung pinakamahina mong player, ayaw mong may masasaktan,” he said. “I feel sorry for her and for La Salle. Sana maka-recover siya. Kawawa naman yung bata.”
(That’s tough. As a coach, whether it’s your ace player or your weakest player, you don’t want anybody to get hurt. I hope she recovers. That’s unfortunate for the kid.) – Rappler.com
Add a comment
How does this make you feel?
There are no comments yet. Add your comment to start the conversation.