Laika Tudlasan made her return for Arellano University on Saturday in the NCAA Season 99 women's volleyball tournament and helped the Lady Chiefs barge into the win column.
Arellano defeated Mapua University in straight sets to bounce back after their opening loss against Colegio de San Juan de Letran.
The sophomore Tudlasan, however, admitted having jitters as she played her first game since being diagnosed with a back injury.
"Masyado po akong kinabahan kasi first game ko po mula nung naka-recover ako. May sakit pa rin talaga pero po kailangan ko bumawi for the team," Tudlasan told GMA News Online.
[I was too nervous because it's my first game since I recovered. There's still a little pain but I need to bounce back for the team.]
The 20-year old Arellano standout had nine points, the team's second-best scorer behind Pauline De Guzman who had 12 in the win against the Lady Cardinals.
Tudlasan said that her lower back injury, which was diagnosed three weeks before the season, also affected her shoulders which resulted in coordination issues for her body.
"Matagal na po daw 'yung injury, ngayon lang na-recognize kasi nagko-complain ako sa sakit, 'di na ako halos makatayo n'un and nakahiga na lang ako. Akala ko di ako makakalaro."
[They said the injury has been there for some time, but it was only recently recognized because I was complaining about the pain. I was struggling to stand up and I was just lying down. I thought I wouldn't be able to play.]
While she says there is still some pain, Tudlasan said it is now more manageable as she undergoes continuous rehabilitation and recovery.
Head coach Obet Javier also welcomed Tudlasan's early return to the team.
"Si Laika last year is isa sa mga caliber namin na players. Ngayon malaking tulong talaga. Sana magtuloy-tuloy ang paggaling niya at sana 'yung pagbalik ni Laika, sana 'yung ibang ka-teammates ma-motivate na kailangan din nating gumaling," Javier said.
[Laika, last year, is one of our top caliber players. She's a big help. I hope she continues to recover and with her return, I hope her teammates are motivated to play better also.]
Arellano will face Lyceum of the Philippines University on Tuesday.
—JMB, GMA Integrated News
