Romwel Anzures

University of the Philippines star Joan Monares in UAAP Season women’s volleyball. Photo from UAAP Media.

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ABS-CBN News

<div style="line-height:1.5"><img src="https://od2-image-api.abs-cbn.com/prod/editorImage/1770790800292IMG_9939.jpeg" style="width:960px" class="fr-fic fr-dib" width="960" alt="University of the Philippines star Joan Monares in UAAP Season women’s volleyball. Photo from UAAP Media."/>University of the Philippines star Joan Monares in UAAP Season women’s volleyball. Photo from UAAP Media.MANILA — University of the Philippines (UP) is set to unveil a retooled and renewed roster for UAAP Season 88 women’s volleyball, but the Fighting Maroons will be without one of their key players to start the campaign.</div>Senior spiker Joan Monares revealed that she is dealing with desiccated discs with a disc bulge, an injury that will sideline her for at least the first round of the tournament.“Unfortunately, nagka-injury ako nung pre-season so our target for me is to play second round pa,” Monares told reporters during Wednesday’s press conference at the Mall of Asia Arena.Monares shared that the injury occurred prior to UP’s campaign in the Shakey’s Super League, causing her to miss the entire pre-season tournament.“Two weeks before ng Shakey’s,” she said. “Nilo-look forward pa namin na baka makahabol pa ako sa preseason, pero upon rehab, wala talagang improvement so saka na kami nagpa-test.”The 24-year-old added that while the pain is manageable, they do not want to risk aggravating the injury.“Pag lumaki &#x27;yung bulge and may naipit na nerve, delikado,” she said. “Playable pa naman siya now, but we don’t want to push it kasi baka lumala.”When asked if she would be ready to suit up in Round 2, Monares admitted that her timeline remains uncertain.“&#x27;Yung sinabing healing time sa akin, medyo matagal eh,” she said, while assuring that she is not ruled out for the season.“Nakakalungkot na I will not get to play &#x27;pag start ng season, but I’m trying hard to be patient, and the girls are there, willing to step up in my position,” she added.Despite her absence, Monares expressed confidence that fellow seniors Irah Jaboneta and Niña Ytang will help fill the void, while also expressing optimism about the boost that newcomers Casiey Dongallo and Jelai Gajero can provide.“Malaking tulong sila Irah and Niña, helping the girls to play with each other and gel together sa loob ng court,” she said. “I really appreciate the seniors for stepping up while I’m not there pa.”“‘Di ako takot na wala ako sa loob. I’m proud that the girls can do it without me,” Monares added.

UP is set to unveil a retooled and renewed roster for #UAAPSeason88 women’s volleyball, but the Fighting Maroons will be without one of their key players to start the campaign.

UP is set to unveil a retooled and renewed roster for #UAAPSeason88 women’s volleyball, but the Fighting Maroons will be without one of their key players to start the campaign.

UAAP: UP’s Joan Monares to miss first round due to back injury

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UAAP: UP’s Joan Monares to miss first round due to back injury

Rom Anzures,

ABS-CBN News

Published February 11, 2026 02:26 PM PHT

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Updated February 11, 2026 03:24 PM PHT

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Volleyball

UAAP

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UAAP Season 88

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