MANILA, Philippines – Chiara Permentilla made a stunning recovery for the Akari Chargers in the Premier Volleyball League All-Filipino Conference after being sidelined for nearly four years owing to an anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) damage on her left knee. Her team defeated Army-Black Mamba in a triumph by scores of 25 to 18, 25 to 19, 23 to 25, and 25 to 19 thanks to the former Adamson University standout who had her finest game to date.

The remarkable performance of Permentilla was highlighted by her 13 points, all from attacks, along with 10 top-notch catches and eight digs, putting her just short of a triple double. Permentilla had been away from the taraflex for a while, but despite that, she didn’t exhibit any indications of rust, demonstrating that she had been working hard to get back in shape.

The young athlete faced a protracted and difficult path to rehabilitation. In 2019, she sustained her injuries. Only last February 12 versus F2 Logistics did she make her way back into the game after spending two years on the sidelines.

Permentilla acknowledged how difficult her recuperation process had been and expressed her appreciation for being able to play again.

It feels great to be back upon that court, she said. It feels good, you know. I went through a long road, a long process where at first, I was just on the sidelines, and then little by little, I was able to get back on the court. I was able to get back in the lineup, and now I’m able to play again.

Jorge Souza de Brito, the head coach of Akari, lauded Permentilla for his tenacity and resolve, as well as for his work during the athlete’s recovery. I commend her for never giving up, he remarked. She put her trust in both herself and the process, and today she is with us. She demonstrated to herself and to everyone that she’s really, really [ready to come back].”

As evidence of Permentilla’s tenacity and resilience, her entrance back into the court.

She said, “I battled for this. It’s been so long, I really worked hard to be able to come back. So I’m very, very happy, and I’m proud of myself.”

In Permentilla’s volleyball career, her return to form marks a key turning point, and her inspirational tale of tenacity serves as a motivating example of what can be accomplished with endurance and hard effort.