Bacolod Tay Tung High School standout Rhose Almendralejo has been in recovery mode while awaiting to undergo MRI since falling to an apparent knee injury during Negros Island Region’s finals bout against NCR on May 30, at the near-end of the 66th Palarong Pambansa in Agusan del Sur.

The development was confirmed on social media by her mother Ritchel, who also asked for prayers for the ‘fast recovery’ of the 17-year-old Palarong Pambansa volleyball star.

“To everyone na concern kay Bhe2 Rhose Almendralejo she’s okay and nag papahinga lang siya. Please continue to pray for her fast recovery,” Ritchel said in a May 30 post on Facebook.

The incident happened in the first set of NIR’s championship bout against NCR, at a juncture when the Bacolod Tay Tung-powered region was leading the NU Nazareth-backed Metro Stars 23-22.

The 5-foot-9 outside hitter made an awkward landing following an explosive spike attempt that seemed to have immediately caused a left knee injury, as she fell to the ground in apparent pain. She got stretchered off and was unable to return.

“We don’t know yet kung ano talaga result ng injury niya, after 2 weeks pa siya mag MRI sincena mamaga pa tuhod niya. And, she’s resting po ngayon kaya hindi siya makapag reply sa inyong lahat. Thank you!” Rhose’s mother wrote.

NIR won the first set but succumbed in three straight sets to settle for silver in favor of eventual back-to-back secondary girls’ volleyball champions NCR, 22-25, 25-14, 25-19, 25-18.

Almendralejo, a UAAP-bound talent who has reportedly committed to the National University, was also adjudged the Most Impressive Player, Best Outside Hitter, and Best Server of this year’s Palaro edition.