FEU’s CJ Cabatac after injuring his leg. –UAAP PHOTO
MANILA, Philippines— Far Eastern University player CJ Cabatac suffered a severe leg injury during the Tamaraws vs National University match during the UAAP Season 85 men’s volleyball tournament at San Juan Arena on Saturday.
In the first set with NU leading 17-13, Cabatac went ahead to stop Bulldogs’ Michael Buddin after a free kick. On the way down, Cabatac accidentally stepped on Buddin’s foot, breaking the bone in his right leg. Part of his bones can be seen protruding from his skin.
The incident seems to have caused the Tamaraws to deflate as they were unable to regain motivation on the way there lose 25-20, 25-20, 25-16 for NU to be undefeated.
Cabatac was quickly carried out of the match with a towel wrapped around his legs. He was immediately taken to Cardinal Santos Medical Center in Greenhills.
The FEU is still awaiting results on the extent of the damage.
NU coach Dante Alinsunurin expressed concern for the youngster, but he knows Cabatac will be able to recover from a severe injury.
“I hope he recovers soon. Surely, he will recover. The important thing is that he’s back. No matter what his results are [medical exams] is, he should keep the faith,” Alinsunurin said. “That injury does not mean the end for him. He will definitely be back.”
Alinsunurin had to remind Buddin to turn around after witnessing a horrific injury in front of him.
“I’ve seen a lot of this already. Unfortunately it actually happens in the game but I said [them] We have to refocus on what we want to happen. What happened was an accident. I told my players not to blame anyone. I told them not to think about who hit who and just focus on the game,” Alinsunurin said in Filipino.
