Dryx Saavedra by DN Steel FEU in Spikers’ Turf. – Photo from Spikers’ Turf
MANILA, Philippines – Dryx Saavedra braved the storms that nearly derailed DN Steel FEU’s perfect start at the 2024 Spikers’ Turf Invitational Conference.
The third-year counterpart was instrumental in securing two hard-fought victories this week, extending his team’s best record in the league to six wins in as many games.
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Saavedra’s 17-point score kept cellar Martelli Meats winless after a 25-20, 16-25, 25-16, 25-15 win on Nov. 8.
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Two days later, he posted his best scoring performance of the conference with 25 points, destroying Savouge’s dream start in five sets, 25-20, 25-22, 19-25, 17-25, 16-14.
Saavedra’s heroics did not go unnoticed as he received another Medal of Honor after being named the Spikers’ Turf Press Corps Player of the Week for November 6-10.
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“Sobrang dami naming natutunan, lalo na ‘yung kumapit kasi alam naman namin na grabe sila (Savouge) maglaro. “I don’t know what Savouge has to do with Cignal, so I haven’t changed my attitude,” said the reigning V-League Men’s Collegiate Challenge Finals MVP and top opposing batsman.
The Igbaras, Iloilo native and award-winning spiker was unanimously selected by members of the print and online media ahead of Vince Maglinao of EcoOil La Salle and Jude Garcia of Criss Cross, who covered the first men’s volleyball league live and was streamed on demand via the Pilipinas Live app and www.spikersturf.ph.
Battling cramps during a two-hour, 35-minute, five-set marathon against Savouge, Saavedra took it upon himself to shake off the pain and keep a cool head for himself and the team under immense pressure.
“Natuto kami mag-compose ng sarili namin pero meron ding disappointment kasi akala namin kaya namin i-straight sets eh. “Grateful coach Ed (Orcullo) has taken the first steps to appoint the player,” said the V’s MVP -League Finals, which led FEU to its most recent title run in the Collegiate Challenge to qualify for the Spikers’ Turf season -Final tournament.
READ: Spikers’ Turf: Cignal defeats Jude Garcia, Criss Cross
“Sa isip ko kasi, kakapit lang eh. Basta kakapit lang, makukuha namin ‘yun. The pressure on the back (in the fifth set) caused cramps.”
Their impeccable record midway through the preliminary rounds has cemented their position as legitimate title contenders.
“Naming is not easy, but it is not easy to create a specific set, create a new set, and then bring it to the next set. Nawawala ‘yung zeal na tapusin agad. “Pangit kasi na pinapatagal pa kahit kaya naman talaga,” said Saavedra.
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“’Yung pag-sustain lang nu’ng way kung paano kami maglaro ng first set hanggang last set, ‘yun lang dapat ipapakita namin.”