DRYX Saavedra braved the storms that nearly dented DN Steel FEU’s perfect start in the 2024 Spikers’ Turf Invitational Conference.
The third-year opposite hitter was instrumental in copping a pair of hard-earned victories this week to extend the green-and-gold’s league-best record to six wins in as many games.
Saavedra’s 17-point showing held cellar-dwelling Martelli Meats winless after a 25-20, 16-25, 25-16, 25-15 romp on November 8.
He would then erupt for his best scoring performance of the conference two days later with 25 markers in crushing Savouge’s four-game dream start in five sets 25-20, 25-22, 19-25, 17-25, 16-14.
The Morayta’s man of steel’s heroics did not go unnoticed as he earned another badge of honor after being 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 [Savogue] maglaro. Kinaya nga ng Savouge ‘yung Cignal, so alam namin na mindset nila na talagang kaya nila kaming talunin,” the reigning V-League Men’s Collegiate Challenge Finals MVP and Best Opposite Hitter said.
The decorated spiker hailing from Igbaras, Iloilo was unanimously selected over EcoOil La Salle’s Vince Maglinao and Criss Cross’ Jude Garcia by members of print and online media covering the premier men’s volleyball league streamed live and on-demand via Pilipinas Live app and www.spikersturf.ph.
Struggling with cramps on both feet in a two-hour, 35-minute long five-set marathon against Savouge, Saavedra took it upon himself to shrug off pain and keep his and the team’s cool under immense pressure.
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 the V-League Finals MVP, who led FEU to its recent Collegiate Challenge title run to qualify 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.”
Their flawless record halfway through the preliminaries has built their case as legitimate title contenders.
However, Saavedra and the rest of DNS Steel FEU recognize a dire need to top its strong starts with even stronger finishes.
“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 said.
“‘Yung pag-sustain lang nu’ng way kung paano kami maglaro ng first set hanggang last set, ‘yun lang dapat ipapakita namin.”
