By Angel Joyce C. Basa

Far Eastern University (FEU) Tamaraws Zhydryx Saavedra’s caliber performance gave the team their first win against the University of the Philippines (UP) Fighting Maroons, 25-22, 25-23, 25-15, in University Athletic Association of the Philippines (UAAP) Season 85 men’s volleyball tourney held earlier today, February 26, at the Mall of Asia Arena in Pasay City.

The Tamaraw rookie made his presence felt from the first set by producing 15 points out of 14 attacks and one service ace.

During the post-game conference, Saavedra talked about his role in their system and the collective effort the team had in the match against UP.

“Ginawa ko lang ‘yung part ko na ma-apply ko ‘yung binubuo naming sistema and ‘yun, dahil nakuha ko rin po ‘yung player of the game is dahil po ‘yun sa pagtutulungan namin as a team and naglaro po kami as buo po talaga (I just did my part to apply the system that we have been preparing and I got the player of the game because of our teamwork and because we played as a whole),” he said.

Head Coach Rei Diaz Jr. also mentioned Saavedra’s growth as a player because of his performance in the game.

“I think ‘yung actions niya, [at] ‘yung numbers na meron siya ngayon, ‘yan na si Zhydryx Saavedra. Nakakaproud (I think his actions, [and] the numbers he produced right now, that’s Zhydryx Saavedra. I feel proud),” Diaz said.

Two other Tamaraw spikers chipped in double digits with Martin Bugaoan producing 11 markers and Mark Calado contributing 10 points for the team.

The green-and-gold squad will face the University of Santo Tomas Growling Tigers on March 1 at the Philsports Arena in Pasig City.

(Photo by Alyssa Andrea Quiogue/FEU Advocate)