MANILA, Philippines—More than a year since suffering a major knee injury, Jovelyn Gonzaga is set to return to action for Pacific Town-Army when they compete in the Premier Volleyball League.

Gonzaga, a national team mainstay who is one of the best all-around players in the country, tore the anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) in her right knee in November 2017. She has not played since then.

But she will make her long-awaited return in the upcoming PVL Reinforced Conference, when she leads Pacific Town-Army in its return to the league.

"Siguro two years kaming hindi nabuo," Gonzaga said of the famed Army team, one of the most decorated in Philippine volleyball. " 'Yung team kasi namin is mix ng seniors and juniors, so iba 'yung timpla ng ilalaro namin."

"Siguro, nasa stage pa lang kami ng binubuo ulet. 'Yung goal namin is one game at a time," she added.

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When asked about her recovery, Gonzaga said: "Ready to play na."

"Hindi ko alam kung 100%," she acknowledged. "Pero as far as I know, nakakatalon na ako ulit. Hindi ko masasabing katulad ng before 'yung bilis ko."

"Pero as far as I know, makakalaro na ako ulit," she added.

Gonzaga said she anticipates an adjustment period as she returns to a competitive setting, after months of therapy and recovery. She said that, for now, she is not putting any pressure on herself.

"One step at a time hanggang sa mabuo ulit 'yung sarili ko sa paglalaro," said Gonzaga, who is thankful that she will have imports to help in their PVL campaign.

"Sobrang thankful din ako kasi 'yung time na pagbalik ko, may import. So hindi masyadong siguro kailangan na todo agad kasi may tutulong na imports. Hindi gaanong bugbog 'yung tuhod ko."

It helped that during her time away from volleyball, Gonzaga went through basic training in the Philippine Army. While she was not playing her sport, she still kept herself in good shape.

"Sobrang thankful ko noon, na gumanda 'yung kundisyon ko," said Gonzaga.

One of six teams to compete in the PVL Reinforced Conference this year, Pacific Town-Army will enter the tournament with reasonable expectations. They have a good mix of players, said Gonzaga, but they will still be up against a tough field that features a powerhouse Creamline team and a talent-laden Motolite squad.

"Sine-set lang namin is one game at a time," said Gonzaga.

"Siyempre, nandoon pa rin 'yung pressure kasi Army team pa rin ito na nanalo ng maraming championships. 'Yung pressure nandoon. Pero, titignan pa namin kasi di pa kami nagkakalaban noong ibang team."

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