Cignal on tight spot after Milanovic injury

MANILA, Philippines – With import Sonja Milanovic crashing with an ankle injury, a cloud of uncertainty hounds Cignal in its campaign in the Chooks to Go-Philippine Superliga Grand Prix.

Head coach Edgar Barroga admitted that they have yet to map out their battle plan as they march into a crucial encounter with Cocolife in the quarterfinals on Tuesday.

The Asset Managers will be coming in with a new import in FIVB World Grand Prix veteran Marta Drpa of Serbia and armed with a twice-to-beat advantage so advancing to the semis with an injured reinforcement is like scaling a mountain.

Barroga said they have yet to decide whether to retain Milanovic or send her home.

“It’s a very tough call. The doctor has yet to read the result, but her ankle was swelling badly,” he said following their straight-set loss to Generika-Ayala Thursday at the Filoil Flying V Centre in San Juan.

“As much as possible, Sonja wants to play. She’s a fighter. She’s willing to jump even with one healthy ankle. But we don’t want to risk her health and future career. That’s why we’re mulling the possibility of calling in a new import.”

But bringing in a new reinforcement is easier said than done.

Sources claimed that Cignal reached out to former Cocolife import Taylor Milton to inquire about her availability.

But the hard-spiking American stressed that her plans are already set and she has to fly back home to the United States on Friday night to be with her family.

Another prospect, who is said to be the HD Spikers’ original choice as import, also expressed willingness to suit up, but she’s still competing in a championship match in Finland.

Barroga said it’s really tough to bring in a replacement at this very crucial stage.

“We’re running out of time,” he said, hinting the possibility of sticking with Milanovic but banking heavily on high-flying Jeane Horton and local stars like Rachel Anne Daquis, Janine Navarro and Cherry Vivas.

“We will have a meeting before our training later. If the option of bringing in a new import will no longer be available for us, we will just stick with Sonja and challenge Stix (Horton) and the locals to step up.”

Barroga, who will also miss the quarterfinals to attend to his National University high school team in Palarong Pambansa in Ilocos Sur, added that they have yet to make any final decision.

“Right now, everything is still hanging,” he said.

“Let’s see. Anything is possible.”