By Dwyane Harry L. Cabrera
#SportsBites: FEU Tamaraw standouts Dryx Saavedra, Rhodson Du-ot, Amet Bituin, and Doula Ndongala headlined the #VLeague2026 Men’s Collegiate Challenge individual awards ceremony, sweeping key honors after securing a silver finish earlier today, October 11, at the Filoil EcoOil Centre Arena in San Juan City.
The Morayta-based squad opened their campaign with an unbeaten 7-0 win-loss record in the elimination round, punching their semifinals ticket against De La Salle-College of Saint Benilde, whom they defeated twice in straight sets to advance to the championship round.
However, their dominant run ended as National University handed them a heartbreaking loss, foiling their three-peat in a thrilling five-set showdown, 25-23, 25-19, 28-30, 21-25, 14-16.
Despite settling for silver, FEU’s individual brilliance shone through as team captain Saavedra emerged as the tournament’s Most Valuable Player while also securing the Best Opposite Spiker award, highlighting his outstanding performance throughout the league and his crucial role in leading the team.
Adding to the green-and-gold’s haul of individual honors in the tournament were Du-ot as Best Setter, Bituin as Best Outside Spiker, and Ndongala as Best Middle Blocker.
Though a title defense slipped away, the Tamaraws’ collection of individual honors underscored their talent and competitiveness throughout the tournament, marking a memorable campaign for the Morayta-based squad.
(Photo courtesy of V-League Facebook page)