Kim Kianna Dy’s status remains up in the air as F2 Logistics ruled the top winger day-to-day with the Premier Volleyball League All-Filipino Conference just around the corner.
Head coach Regine Diego has no direct answer as to whether her prized opposite hitter is already in game shape following an undisclosed knee operation.
“Kianna had a knee surgery but it’s not an ACL (anterior cruciate ligament),” Diego said without disclosing the full extent of Dy’s injury days before the league kicks off its season-ending tournament on Sunday at the Smart Araneta Coliseum.
The De La Salle University product hurt her right knee during the fourth set of the Cargo Movers’ semifinals match against eventual PVL Invitational Conference runner-up Creamline last July.
Dy was sorely missed by F2 Logistics as it eventually bowed to Cignal in the winner-take-all battle for third to fall short of the podium after claiming bronze in the first serving of the All-Filipino Conference early this year.
“So we’re taking it day by day, so let’s see if she’ll be available to play. Just watch out for that,” Diego said.
With one reliable scorer out, pressure will fall on the shoulders of veterans Myla Pablo, Aby Marano, Majoy Baron, Ivy Lacsina, libero Dawn Macandili-Catindig and setter Kim Fajardo.
Rising stars Jolina dela Cruz, Mars Alba and newcomer Ethan Arce will also have to step up their game.
“Of course, everybody’s pressured to win but all we can do is do our best every day,” Diego said.
“The goal remains the same — get into the championship. But we have to go through a lot of games to achieve that championship.”
Despite having a virtually intact lineup, Diego knows it won’t assure them of success outright especially against a dynamic competitive field that has expanded to 12 teams.
“That has pros and cons. Pros (because) we’re more connected but for the cons, of course, we’re going up against mostly younger players. They have also improved and developed with their team so let’s see if chemistry will outweigh the new bloods,” she said.
The Cargo Movers open their campaign against Akari on Tuesday, at the Smart Araneta Coliseum.
