3 Boosters suffer injuries in training

MANILA, Philippines - The Petron Blaze Boosters, under new coach Olsen Racela, are off to a bad start in their training with no less than three players in Dorian Peña, Chris Lutz and Marcio Lassiter sustaining injuries.

Peña suffered a partial hamstring tear Monday then Lutz and Lassiter got injured Tuesday and yesterday, respectively. Lutz and Lassiter have been set for MRI (magnetic resonance imaging) tests to see the extent of their injuries.

“We lost an important player (Dondon Hontiveros) on trade in the first week and three more this week because of injuries. Not exactly the kind of start that we want,” said Racela, who works closely with assistant coach Rajko Toroman.

The new Petron mentor, however, is hoping the three can recover quickly and be of help in their bid to make up for their poor showing last season.

Racela said they’re working to develop a good chemistry and live up to their potential as a major force with all the talents that they have.

“I must admit we have a strong lineup. I am the one that is suspect minus the experience,” said Racela. “That’s why I work closely with coach Rajko. I’m excited to work with him because I learn a lot from him.”

Working as a tandem, Racela and Toroman run hard practices, hoping the Boosters bring that no-nonsense attitude to the game.

“The management always says they don’t expect us to win all the time, just give our best all the time. For us now, it starts in practice. We want to be consistent. Anyway, that’s what we do in the game,” Racela explained.

Racela was quick to add injuries suffered by Peña, Lutz and Lassiter was not because of their hard training.