Far Eastern University (FEU) Tamaraw CJ Cabatac went down with a right leg injury as they lost in straight sets against the National University (NU) Bulldogs, 20-25, 20-25, 16-25, in the University Athletic Association of the Philippines (UAAP) Season 85 men’s volleyball tournament held at the Filoil EcoOil Centre in San Juan City earlier today, March 18. 

At the 17-13 mark of the first set, FEU opposite hitter Cabatac suffered the injury after landing on the foot of NU’s Michaelo Buddin following a block attempt. 

Cabatac was stretchered off the court and rushed to Cardinal Santos Medical Center in San Juan City.

Green-and-gold veteran spiker Mark Calado caught early fire with five markers in the first frame but FEU was constantly challenged by alternating points and errors.

FEU had a hard time picking up the pace of the defending champions in the first set despite a 7-2 run fueled by four straight errors by NU, 20-25.

The Morayta-based spikers continued to struggle in the third set with the defensive wall built by NU’s Buddin, Nico Almendras, Gerard Diao and Obed Mukaba making them surrender in a three-set upset, 16-25.

In an online interview with FEU Advocate, Team Captain Jelord Talisayan said that the team struggled to compose themselves after the unfortunate injury of Cabatac at the start of the game.

“Pilit naming nilaban para sa kapatid namin ‘yung laban kontra NU, pero nanlalambot na kami sa nangyari. ‘Di namin inaasahan iyon. Habang naglalaro, ‘yun ang tumatakbo sa utak po namin (We tried hard to fight for our brother in the fight against NU, but we are softened by what happened. We didn't expect that. That was all we thought about while the game went on),” he stated. 

Calado led FEU with 19 markers as they concluded their round one bout in second place with a 5-2 win-loss record in the men’s volleyball tourney.

-Andrei M. Barrantes

(Photo courtesy of The UAAP)