From the uncertainty of even qualifying for the Spikers’ Turf to conquering the V-League Collegiate Challenge, Dryx Saavedra was simply grateful to see his team rise above every struggle and finish the season as champions with Far Eastern University.
The Tamaraws, reigning champions from the previous edition, endured a rocky start in the eliminations, finishing third with a 4-3 record.
They then came dangerously close to bowing out in the semifinals but showed grit when it mattered most—fending off the University of Santo Tomas to earn another finals berth and secure the coveted ticket to the Spikers’ Turf.
The finals were no smooth ride either.
After dropping Game 1, the Tamaraws finally broke through in Game 2, ending their string of struggles. In Game 3, Saavedra and the rest of FEU rose to the occasion, sealing their second consecutive V-League Collegiate Challenge crown in dominant fashion.
(C) V-League Images
“Syempre sobrang excited kasi hindi pa tapos ‘yung V-League, nilu-look forward ko na agad ‘yung Spikers’ Turf eh. Kasi nag-struggle kami may part na sana, ‘di na umabot sa [sitwasyon] na hindi kami makakapag laro ng Spikers’ Turf,” Saavedra revealed after their championship-clinching win over La Salle on Friday.
Saavedra shared that earning a spot in the Spikers’ Turf was his biggest motivation throughout the tournament, as he’s eager to test his mettle against the country’s best.
With men’s volleyball gaining momentum following Alas Pilipinas’ historic run in the FIVB Volleyball Men’s World Championship, he said this opportunity means much, much more for him.
“Kasi ayaw din namin na puro ensayo lang, gusto rin namin makalaban ‘yung mga kuya namin at marami kaming matutunan sa kanila. For sure naman, marami kaming matututunan sa kanila,” said the V-League Finals MVP.
With their struggles now behind them, Saavedra and the Tamaraws are ready to embrace a new challenge—carrying the lessons from their V-League triumph as they take on the country’s best anew in the Spikers’ Turf.
“Sobrang saya. Nakakagaan ng loob kasi sa totoo ang daming struggles naming pinagdaanan ngayong V-League so parang madami kaming natutunan, maraming tao na tumulong sa amin,” said Saavedra.
“Bagong opportunity sa’min na may nakuha ulit kami, syempre dadalhin namin ‘to as motivation na naman sa next league namin, and sa next season ng UAAP. Talagang marami kaming natutunan eh, ngayong V-League.”
