UAAP: FEU’s Saavedra could return to settle unfinished goal

Dryx Saavedra and the FEU Tamaraws after losing another UAAP men’s volleyball Finals series against the defending champions NU Bulldogs.–MARLO CUETO/INQUIRER.net

MANILA, Philippines — While there’s a chance Dryx Saavedra won’t be returning for his final year in the UAAP, settling an unfinished business might just be enough reason for him to run it back with Far Eastern University.

The championship remained elusive for FEU after the Tamaraws fell anew to National University in the UAAP men’s volleyball Finals despite being the top seed for the third consecutive year.

“I’m still proud because we really went through so much, and what we experienced wasn’t easy. I think all our sacrifices and hard work still paid off somehow. We just fell short, but our journey doesn’t end here,” said Saavedra in Filipino after being limited to eight points on a 7-of-25 attacking clip.

READ: UAAP Finals: NU Bulldogs complete ‘six-peat’ with sweep of FEU Tamaraws

Asked if he’ll return for one more year, Dryx Saavedra says it depends on the opportunities but his heart says he’s not yet done for FEU. #UAAPSeason88 @inquirersports pic.twitter.com/Y3IZQaIgZb

— Lance Agcaoili (@LanceAgcaoilINQ) May 9, 2026

Saavedra said the decision to return or move on to the next chapter of his career will depend on the opportunities that may come knocking at his door.

“In my heart, I really want to stay. Of course, it still depends on the opportunities that come, but there’s a bigger chance that I’ll still play,” said Saavedra. “Personally, I don’t feel that I was able to finish what we started because we still haven’t reached our goal. There are still more chances ahead, so we keep going.

“As one of the seniors, I still want to be a role model for my teammates and guide the younger players. We’re the ones helping build their knowledge—not just in playing, but also in how to carry themselves and move within our team and family. So I still want to be that ‘big brother’ figure for the team,” he added.

FEU coach Eddieson Orcullo believes that the latest heartbreak will be a test of character for them.

“This is another heartbreak for us, so maybe it means we need to work even harder. Maybe what we’re doing now still isn’t enough, so we have to push ourselves even more,” said Orcullo in Filipino. “For me, this season tested our friendship, character, and relationships.

When bad things happen, teams can easily fall apart, but for us, every time we face moments like this, it pushes us to become even more united.”

“It’s also a test of character because another season has ended, and now we ask ourselves what kind of character we really have. If one person feels down, someone else has to step up and help lift the team back up. That’s how we handle things together,” he added.