Joeven Dela Vega is ready for his major comeback in the Spikers’ Turf Invitational Conference after recovering from a serious health issue.
After missing the Open Conference, where the PGJC-Navy lost nine of its 10 games, Dela Vega vows to make up for lost time after undergoing a procedure called video-assisted thoracic surgery (VATS). ‘When I got discharged from the hospital, I honestly thought I wouldn’t be able to come back. It was really tough. I lost more than 10 kilos. I really pushed my body, not to the extreme, but just enough to slowly regain my strength,’ Dela Vega told the reporters in Filipino.
‘So when I returned to Manila, it was much easier. Physically, I was okay, and once I got back to training, I was able to handle the ball well again.’
The 27-year-old spiker has been training with the Sealions for two months now, but he made sure to maintain his physical condition during his recovery through strength and conditioning exercises. ‘I’m super excited because this is what I’ve been working for. I pushed myself to get back in shape just to be able to play in this upcoming conference. Hopefully, I’ll be able to compete well,’ he said.
‘Right now, we’re taking things step by step. One game at a time. Last year wasn’t a good run for our team, so hopefully this conference, we’ll be more competitive against the top teams and really climb the standings.’
Dela Vega also got an extra inspiration for his comeback after the Philippine men’s volleyball program got a big boost from the FIVB Volleyball Men’s World Championship, where Alas Pilipinas proved it belongs.
‘Super inspired. We’re all very excited, especially seeing the amount of support growing for men’s volleyball. The level has really gone up, and we’re hoping for a great showing this conference,’ Dela Vega said.
Navy opens its campaign against Criss Cross on Monday at FilOil EcoOil Centre.