Dryx Saavedra may still have one more season left with the FEU Tamaraws, but whether he returns for a final UAAP run or turns professional remains undecided after another runner-up finish in the UAAP Season 88 Men’s Volleyball Tournament.
Saavedra once again anchored FEU’s title push, helping the Tamaraws reach the Finals for the second straight year before falling to the NU Bulldogs in two games.
The Ilonggo opposite hitter sustained his strong form throughout Season 88, finishing sixth in scoring with 234 points built on 203 attacks, 20 blocks, and 11 aces. He also ranked among the league leaders in spiking efficiency and service aces.
Saavedra opened the Finals with 20 points in Game 1 before being limited to 8 points in FEU’s 26-24, 25-22, 25-22 loss in Game 2 at the SM Mall of Asia Arena.
Saavedra Undecided on Future
Still processing another heartbreak against the Bulldogs, Saavedra admitted that his future remains uncertain.
“Sa akin, nasa puso ko pa rin naman talaga na mag-stay ako, pero depende rin sa opportunity,” Saavedra said.
“Pero ayon nga, mas malaki ‘yung chance talaga na maglalaro pa ako. Siyempre, ayun nga, kung sa sarili ko lang personally, hindi pa ako tapos, hindi pa tapos talaga, kasi hindi pa namin naaabot yung goal namin. Marami pang chance, tuloy-tuloy pa rin.”
Despite falling short once again, Saavedra remained proud of how FEU battled through adversity to stay among the league’s elite programs alongside NU, UST Golden Spikers, and Ateneo Blue Eagles.
The Tamaraws also saw several players emerge this season, with team captain Ariel Cacao winning Best Setter honors, and Lirick Mendoza and Vennie Ceballos earning Best Middle Blocker and Best Libero recognition, respectively.
“Siguro ano, ako still proud pa rin ‘eh kasi nga sobrang dami naming pinagdaanan at hindi naman biro yung lahat ng pinagdaanan namin. Lahat naman siguro ng sacrifices namin at ginawa namin, nag-pay off pa rin, kinapos lang. Hindi pa naman dito natatapos yung journey namin,” he expressed.
A Saavedra Return Could Make FEU Title Contenders Again
If Saavedra does return, FEU could once again field one of the league’s deepest cores, with rising talents like Amet Bituin, Kyle Tandoc, and Luis Miguel expected to take bigger roles moving forward.
For Saavedra, that possibility also comes with responsibility.
“Siguro ako, as part na rin ng seniors, doon pa rin ako sa pagiging role model ng teammates ko at sa paggabay sa mga bata. Kasi ayon nga, kami rin ‘yung magbu-build ng knowledge sa kanila kung paano dapat makitungo or paano gumalaw sa team at family namin,” he said.
“Doon pa rin ako sa pagiging kuya sa team.”
