There’s always a special satisfaction in silencing a hostile crowd and claiming victory on an opponent’s home court.
For Far Eastern University, Sunday’s triumph over the University of Santo Tomas at the UST Quadricentennial Pavilion carried double the weight. Coming off a stinging loss to National University that snapped their unbeaten run last week, FEU found the perfect stage for redemption.
By outlasting the Golden Spikers in their own lair, the Tamaraws did more than just get back on the winning track—they became the first team to officially secure a spot in the Final Four of the UAAP Season 88 Collegiate Men’s Volleyball Tournament.
Opposite spiker Dryx Saavedra spearheaded FEU’s assault on enemy territory, turning in a masterful 21-point performance built on 17 attacks, two blocks, and two service aces. The Igbaras, Iloilo native emphasized that composure was the Tamaraws’ biggest asset against a UST squad determined to defend its home court.
This mental toughness was most evident in a marathon second set—a 45-minute war of attrition that saw the Tamaraws pull through with a staggering 36-34 scoreline.
(C) UAAP Season 88 Media Team
“Pinili namin maging composed kasi may part ng game kanina na sobrang down kami,” said Saavedra. “Talagang nahirapan kami—lalo na nagkakagulo na rin kami sa loob kasi yung coaches namin, halos lahat, nagsasalita.
“Pinilit naming maging composed; kalmahin ang bawat isa. Siyempre, gagawin namin yung part namin na gawin namin yung best namin. Mabuti na nalagpasan namin ‘yun, lalo na kitang-kita ng lahat na gusto na naming tapusin yung game kasi yung iba may nararamdaman na. Ginawa lang namin yung best namin, tapos pinush lang namin sarili natin.”
Beyond the tactical battle on the court, the atmosphere at the UST QPAV provided an unexpected emotional lift for the visiting squad. While the yellow gallery usually defines the home-court advantage for the Golden Spikers, the FEU faithful traveled in huge numbers to ensure the Tamaraws didn’t feel alone in enemy territory.
For Saavedra, seeing the stands painted in green and gold was the spark the team needed to fight for every point. He admitted that while he and his teammates prepared for a hostile environment, the overwhelming presence of the FEU community turned the momentum in their favor.
“Siyempre, sobrang saya kasi ini-expect namin na mapupuno ito ng cheers ng UST,” said the fourth-year Tamaraw. “Gulat din kami na halos kalahati din sa amin nag-che-cheer eh. Sobrang nakakataba ng puso na sobrang daming nagche-cheer sa amin, sobrang daming nagsu-support sa amin.
“Siyempre, binoboost kami nito na gawin yung best namin—lalo na siyempre ayaw naming sila mabigo, ayaw naming mawala yung support nila sa amin. Talagang yung best lang namin, and siyempre, focus kami sa game.”
#WATCH: MORAYTA INVASION 🐃
Dryx Saavedra and Amet Bituin are grateful to the FEU community, who trooped to QPav and cheered them on 🏐#ReadMore 👉 https://t.co/dD8OmvvyKo
📹 @lorenzodelc /Tiebreaker Times#UAAPSeason88 pic.twitter.com/Pn2n68B7Xh
— Tiebreaker Times (@tiebreakertimes) March 29, 2026
