By Vince Matthew Jaramilla

Just one point away from a 30-point game, Tamaraw Dryx Saavedra led Far Eastern University (FEU) in preventing a reverse sweep from the University of the Philippines (UP) Fighting Maroons, 25-19, 25-21, 20-25, 29-31, 15-12, in the University Athletic Association of the Philippines (UAAP) Season 87 men’s volleyball tournament earlier today, April 6, at the Smart Araneta Coliseum in Quezon City.

The opposite hitter’s markers came from 28 attacks and an ace, topped off by three excellent digs.

In the post-game press conference, Saavedra emphasized the value of staying ready and mature no matter the on-court situation.

“‘Yung sinasabi ni Coach [Eddieson Orcullo], dapat bago pa mag-umpisa ‘yung game, ready ka na kung anong mangyayari so ‘yun talaga ‘yung palagi kong iniisip, eh… Mabuti na-apply ng lahat ‘yung maturity na palagi naming sinasabi (Like what Coach Eddieson says, before the game starts, you should be ready for whatever situation so that’s what I always keep in mind… It’s good that we were able to apply the maturity we always mention),” he said.

The Morayta squad was hot to start off the first set as they doubled the Diliman spikers’ six points and forced them to sue for time.

Despite extending the lead to double digits at 19-9, FEU struggled to close out, calling for their own break by 20-15.

By containing UP foreign student-athlete Raheem Olayemi to just one point, the Tamaraws pushed toward the 25-19 set win.

Unlike the first frame, the green-and-gold squad could not separate early in the second, going on per-point deadlocks from 7-7 to 14-14.

The Morayta-based squad was able to produce a 4-0 run through their attacks and the Maroons’ errors, which they rode on to seal another set, 25-21.

Despite having the momentum on their side, FEU slowed down in the third frame as defensive lapses and crucial errors riddled their play, 20-25.

In the fourth set, the Tamaraws found themselves on the verge of another extender, 22-24, due to continued errors.

The Orcullo-led team was able to stretch the game into deuces with their sheer firepower, but it was not enough against Maroon Raheem taking over, 29-31.

FEU found themselves trailing repeatedly in the clincher set. Fortunately, through Saavedra’s consistency and Mikko Espartero’s three consecutive attacks until match point, they pulled through to prevent the UP reverse sweep, 15-12.

Improving to a 10-1 win-loss record, the green-and-gold squad has now secured themselves a postseason berth.

With the Tamaraws back to their winning ways, Orcullo was thankful for both the efficiency and bond that the team is showing.

“Thank you kasi maganda ‘yung kapit ng bawat isa… Ang pinakamaganda sa nangyayari sa’min, ready kami sa kung anumang sitwasyon ‘yung dumating ‘tsaka ‘yung love ng bawat isa… kaya siguro naging ganun ‘yung result ng game (Thank you because everyone has a strong hold on the game. The best thing that is happening to us is that we are ready for any situation that may come and the love for each other is there… that’s probably why this was the result of the game),” he stated.

Coach Eddieson also mentioned the value of their recent five-setter games in the players’ development.

“Malaking bagay [‘yang fifth set] kasi I think, [kapag] bata, minsan kailangang madapa para matuto, ‘di ba? Anuman ‘yung nangyari ngayon, siyempre dapat baunin namin para sa susunod na matches namin (The fifth set is a big thing because I think, when you are young, you need to fall first to learn, right? Whatever happened today, we should bring with us for our next games),” the lead tactician added.

Saavedra was not alone in his impressive showing as libero Vennie Ceballos tallied 29 excellent receives and six digs and setter Ariel Cacao recorded 25 excellent sets.

Espartero then joined the double-digit scoring with 16 points, followed by middle blockers Lirick Mendoza and Doula Ndongala with 15 each.

The Tamaraws will try to build another winning streak through their match against Ateneo de Manila University on Wednesday, April 9, at the PhilSports Arena in Pasig City.

(Photo by Zedrich Xylak Madrid/FEU Advocate)