Dryx Saavedra braved the storms that nearly disrupted DN Steel FEU’s perfect start in the 2024 Spikers’ Turf Invitational Conference.
The third-year opposite hitter was pivotal in securing two hard-earned victories this week, extending the green-and-gold’s league-best record to a flawless 6-0.
Saavedra’s 17-point performance kept Martelli Meats winless with a 25-20, 16-25, 25-16, 25-15 triumph on November 8.
He then erupted for his best scoring performance of the conference, tallying 25 points to halt Savouge’s four-game win streak in a thrilling five-setter, 25-20, 25-22, 19-25, 17-25, 16-14.
Saavedra’s heroics for the Morayta squad earned him further recognition as he was named Spikers’ Turf Press Corps Player of the Week, presented by Pilipinas Live, for November 6 to 10.
“Sobrang dami naming natutunan, lalo na ‘yung kumapit kasi alam naman namin na grabe sila [Savouge] maglaro. Kinaya nga ng Savouge ‘yung Cignal, so alam namin na mindset nila na talagang kaya nila kaming talunin,” shared the reigning V-League Men’s Collegiate Challenge Finals MVP and Best Opposite Hitter.
The decorated spiker from Igbaras, Iloilo, was unanimously chosen over EcoOil La Salle’s Vince Maglinao and Criss Cross’ Jude Garcia by members of the print and online media covering the premier men’s volleyball league, streamed live and on-demand via the Pilipinas Live app and www.spikersturf.ph.
Despite struggling with cramps in both feet during the grueling two-hour, 35-minute, five-set marathon against Savouge, Saavedra pushed through, helping his team stay composed under immense pressure.
(C) Spikers Turf Images
“Natuto kami mag-compose ng sarili namin pero meron ding disappointment kasi akala namin kaya namin i-straight sets eh. Thankful kami kay coach Ed [Orcullo] na talagang ginigising niya’t pinagalitan kami para ilabas yung tunay naming laro,” said Saavedra, who recently led FEU to a Collegiate Challenge title, securing their place in the Spikers’ Turf season-ending tournament.
“Sa isip ko kasi, kakapit lang eh. Basta kakapit lang, makukuha namin ‘yun. Medyo nagka-pressure ako du’n [sa fifth set] kasi nagka-cramps na ‘yung dalawang paa ko.”
With an unblemished record halfway through the preliminaries, Saavedra and DN Steel FEU are proving themselves as legitimate title contenders.
However, Saavedra knows the team must finish as strongly as they start.
“Palagi naming pinag-uusapan kung bakit ganun ‘yung nagiging laro namin na makakuha lang kami ng isang set, dalawang set, parang umiiba na agad sa next set. Nawawala ‘yung eagerness na tapusin agad. Pangit kasi na pinapatagal pa kahit kaya naman talaga,” Saavedra explained.
“‘Yung pag-sustain lang nu’ng way kung paano kami maglaro ng first set hanggang last set, ‘yun lang dapat ipapakita namin.”
