Losing one player rarely sends a college volleyball program into a tailspin, unless if they lose their starting setter.
Far Eastern University is in the same predicament after luminary playmaker Gyzelle Sy played her final UAAP season last year. A former UAAP Best Setter, Sy was not going to be easy to replace.
To start Season 79, the Lady Tamaraws tried Kyle Negrito in the starting six but later found their answer in sophomore Angelica Cayuna.
At just 18 years old, Cayuna took over the starting role in FEU’s second match of the season — a win over UE — after Negrito struggled on opening day against La Salle. Since then, the Dapitan native has been consistent and aggressive, although still prone to the occasional error.
“Goal ko po talaga na makasama sa starting six at makalaro ng marami. Kaya noong nabigyan po ako ng chance nang mga coaches, talagang nag-all out ako,” Cayuna recalled.
Initially, Cayuna was recruited as a spiker but found that converting her to setter would be best if she wanted to find playing time in the UAAP.
“Gusto ko po talaga kasi dati na mag-setter since elementary pa kaso po noong high school, wala pong ibang pwede mag-spiker sa team namin,” Cayuna added.
“Naisip ko na din po noon na kung gusto ko makapaglaro diro sa Manila, kailangan mag-setter na po talaga ako kasi maliit po akong spiker pagdating ko dito.”
And head coach Shaq Delos Santos praised the Dapitan City-native’s aggressive style of play.
“Ang gusto ko kay Gel (Cayuna) is aggressive siya maglaro kaso kulang pa sa maturity at sa distribution. Makukuha din niya ‘yan with more experience,” said the team’s mentor.
Famed for producing some of the country’s best setters, FEU might have just found another gem in Cayuna.
