Chery Tiggo’s Imee Hernandez plays for the first time since suffering a knee injury in November 2023.–PVL PHOTO

MONTALBAN, Rizal — Sidelined for nearly two years due to a knee injury, Imee Hernandez finally returned to action for Chery Tiggo in the PVL on Tour on Saturday.

The towering middle blocker showed flashes of her lethal form, scoring eight points, including two blocks, as Chery Tiggo fended off Capital1, 20-25, 25-23, 25-12, 28-26, on Saturday at Ynares Center Montalban.

READ: PVL: Chery Tiggo gets preseason bid going, fends off Capital1

Imee Hernandez on her PVL comeback. #PVL2025 #PVLonTour @INQUIRERSports pic.twitter.com/ijqC0ZLAKI

— Lance Agcaoili (@LanceAgcaoilINQ) July 5, 2025

“Of course, I’m really happy to be back, and I’m thankful that nothing happened to me or my teammates. Our coaches were guiding us all throughout the game. We really prepared for this PVL on Tour because we wanted to show what we can do,” said an emotional Hernandez, who was holding back her tears.

The former University of Santo Tomas star, who suffered a lengthy knee injury in November 2023 during her rookie year, had an emotional comeback, recalling her grueling journey.

“From the moment after my surgery, I prepared myself mentally because I knew the recovery process wouldn’t be easy. It only really sank in today that I was finally going to play again,” said Hernandez. “I got emotional earlier because everything I went through flashed back in my mind. I also talk to the older players, and they tell me they’re there for me and that they’re happy for me.”

READ: PVL: Chery Tiggo pulls through for injured teammate Imee Hernandez

The 5-foot-11 Hernandez admitted she’s still working her way to overcoming the mental challenges of coming back from a knee injury.

Thanks to the strong support of the Crossovers, Hernandez was able to complete her comeback in impressive fashion.

“Earlier, I still felt scared, but I knew I had to overcome it because I’m the only one who can help myself. Our strength and conditioning coaches and PTs were there the whole game, and I could really feel the confidence my teammates and coaches were giving me, so I’m really thankful,” said Hernandez.

Hernandez and the Crossovers eye a 2-0 start in Pool B against the Akari Chargers on Sunday.