By: Rom Anzures
It was a crucial moment in the NCAA Season 98 Men’s Volleyball match between Emilio Aguinaldo College and College of St. Benilde, as the deciding set was underway.
However, a sudden stoppage caused by an error in EAC’s Bryan Jay Cabrera’s jersey brought the game to a halt, causing a 30-minute delay.
With CSB leading 21-18 in the third set, officials called out an issue with Cabrera’s jersey, registered as number 19 instead of 18 in the Volleyball Information System. As a result, the rookie from Ilocos Sur was forced to leave the game, and he wouldn’t be allowed to play again until he changed his jersey number according to the system.
Despite the unexpected halt in the game, the Generals won in three sets, 25-14, 25-22, 25-23, and were given only a warning, with no further repercussions added.
EAC head coach Rod Palmero explained that the miscommunication caused the jersey error, “Nagkaroon ng miscommunication. Yung pinasa namim dun sa galleries number 18 siya, pagdating dun sa VIS naging 19.”
Palmero ensured that his boys maintained their focus despite the delay, “Focus pa rin kasi lamang pa rin sila (referring to EAC’s 2-0 lead), tiyaka kahit anong mangyari, dito lang tayo sa laro mag-focus kasi kailangan namin tapusin ng tama yung laro.”
Despite the unforeseen interruption, Generals were able to maintain their momentum and continue their strong start to the season with a 1-1 record, tying with CSB.giving up his seat in the division’s rankings.
