THE UST Golden Tigresses took another hit as open spiker Xyza Gula was ruled out of the UAAP Season 87 women’s volleyball campaign with a displaced tailbone fracture.
According to a team statement released on Monday, Feb. 10, Gula sustained the injury last December after landing badly on her back.
The team doctor initially expected her pain to subside within five to eight weeks. However, further re-evaluation restricted Gula from participating in “vital parts” of the team’s training and preparations.
“[I]t has been decided that she will not be in the UST lineup for the upcoming season because her health and her future as an athlete are far more important than our campaign,” the team’s official Facebook page said in the statement.
The 5-foot-4 high-flyer played a vital role in UST’s previous campaign, providing a spark off the bench in crucial games.
Despite the defeat, Gula led the Tigresses in Game 2 of the UAAP Season 86 women’s volleyball finals against NU Lady Bulldogs last May 15. She recorded 16 attacks and two blocks after star spiker Angeline Poyos exited the match due to an ankle injury.
Aside from Gula, UST will also be without starting opposite hitter Jonna Perdido who suffered an ACL injury during the Shakey’s Super League Preseason finals match in November last year.
The team will turn to rookie Margaret Althea and Kyla Cordora to fill the gaps as they aim for another strong run in Season 87. F – with reports from Shayne Lee Andreas Macaraeg
