University of Santo Tomas suffered a huge blow after key player Jonna Perdido was sidelined with an anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) injury on her left knee.

In a report from the school's publication, The Varsitarian, team physical therapist Alyssa Tomas said Perdido needed six to nine months of rehabilitation after going through surgery last week.

She is currently in the acute phase of her rehab that will help bolster her physical, psychological and mental state.

This meant the 5-foot-9 outside hitter will miss the whole Season 87 when it fires off in February.

Perdido sustained the injury last November when she had an awkward fall in their bronze-medal clash with the Far Eastern University Lady Tamaraws in Shakey’s Super League.

Though the Davaoeña hitter is currently out, the Golden Tigresses are expected to bank on Renee Peñafiel, Xyza Gula, Kyla Cordora, and Season 86 Rookie of the Year Angge Poyos.

Last year, the España-based squad wrapped its preliminary assignments with a 12-2 win-loss slate in tie with National University, then went on to oust De La Salle to arrange a finals matchup with the Lady Bulldogs.

However, the Tigressess fell short in their title campaign and got swept by the Bulldogs in their best-of-three championship affair.