Guimarasnon spiker makes return in PVL next month

AFTER almost two years of hiatus from competitive volleyball, Jovelyn Gonzaga of Guimaras returns to action in June 2019.

The former national team member will lead the veteran-laden Pacific Town Army in its debut in the Premier Volleyball League Season 3 Reinforced Conference.

Gonzaga went on hiatus after suffering a knee injury and undergoing basic military training.

In a press conference, Gonzaga said she’s ready to hit the court once the league opens next month.

“Siguro ready to play na. Hindi ko alam kung 100 percent. Pero, as far as I know is nakaka-perform na ako ulit. Hindi ko masasabing like before ‘yung kabilisan ko. As far as I know, makaka-perform na ako ulit,” she added.

The pride of Jordan, Guimaras played for the national team in the 2017 Kuala Lumpur Southeast Asian Games. She suffered an injury while playing for Cignal in the Philippine Superliga last November 2017.

The Army corporal also underwent surgery and rehabilitation but her return was again delayed because of her military commitment. Gonzaga said that her military training helped in her conditioning.    

Gonzaga will play with Tin Agno, Jing Balse-Pabayo, Alina Bicar, Jem Gutierrez, Gelai Nunag, Dahlia Cruz, Royse Tubino, Nene Bautista, Lutgarda Malaluan, Jeannie Delos Reyes and Sarah Jane Gonzales. Army is also looking to tap Kannika Tipachot and Sutadta Chuewulim.

The former stalwart of Central Philippine University (CPU) Golden Lions also saw action in the International Volleyball Federation (FIVB) World Club Women’s Championships in Manila in 2016. She also led the national team in the 2015 Singapore Southeast Asian Games before being crowned PSL beach volleyball champion.