By Leiniel A. Santos

University of Athletic Association of the Philippines (UAAP) Player of the Week Ariel Cacao expressed that he just performed his playmaker duties as Far Eastern University (FEU) Tamaraws rise to the top of the standings in the men’s volleyball tournament.

“Para sa akin naman po hindi ko naman po iniisip ‘yang player of the week o ano man basta ginagawa ko lang po ‘yung role ko sa loob ng court (For me, I don’t really think about being player of the week or anything like that, I just focus on doing my role inside the court),” he mentioned in an online interview with FEU Advocate.

The Tamaraw setter led the Morayta-based squad in the first week of the tournament to win three consecutive games.

During their first game against University of the Philippines Fighting Maroons, the green-and-gold playmaker snatched 14 excellent sets to win the game in straight sets.

In their second game against the De La Salle University Green Archers, Cacao also bagged the player of the game with 24 excellent sets and an ace.

Cacao tallied 15 excellent sets with five points from three attacks, one block, and two aces in their most recent game against University of the East Red Warriors.

The green-and-gold sophomore added that their undefeated start helped them to boost their confidence and gain momentum for their upcoming games.

“Magagamit po talaga namin ‘tong magandang simula namin para sa mga susunod pa naming game kasi ayun nga mas mataas kumpiyansa ng team ngayon dahil sa mga panalo nitong nakaraan (We can really use this strong start as momentum for our upcoming games because the team’s confidence is higher now because of our recent victories),” he added.

FEU sits at the top of the standings with a 3-0 win-loss record and is the only remaining undefeated team in the men’s tourney ahead of their stepladder rematch against University of Santo Tomas on Sunday, March 3, at the Mall of Asia Arena.

(Photo courtesy of Yvan James Sacro/FEU Athletics Office)