The FEU Tamaraws are ready to move on from their stinging heartbreak in the UAAP Season 87 Finals, losing in three games to the NU Bulldogs.
Dryx Saavedra and Mikko Espartero are eager to move forward from FEU’s stinging loss at the hands of 5-peat champions NU in the UAAP Season 87 men’s volleyball Finals.
After taking Game 1 in cardiac fashion, the Tamaraws succumbed to the superior championship experience of the Bulldogs, who have long been used to the pressures of the Finals.
[READ: NU Bulldogs complete historic 5-peat after beating FEU in UAAP Season 87 Finals]
But now with their own Finals appearance under their belt, the Morayta-based squad is ready to get things going again next year.
“Alam ko na na next season, ready na ako agad sa ganitong situation ng game na Finals,” Saavedra said.
“Ganito pala talaga, sobrang iba sa elimination. So talagang makakatulong talaga ‘to sakin na i-ready ko yung sarili ko pagdadating ulit sa point na lalaban ulit kami ng Finals,” he added.
In Game 3, Saavedra and the Tamaraws fell flat in the first set, finding themselves at a disadvantage early. While FEU put up a better fight onwards, the bright lights startled the Tamaraws.
For Espartero, who struggled during the three-game series, it’s nothing but a learning experience for them as they hope for another chance at redemption, especially after they were able to test themselves in front of a record crowd.
The winner-take-all Game 3 drew 14,517 fans at the Mall of Asia Arena — a record for a men’s volleyball game in the UAAP.
“Good experience sa 'kin 'to in preparation para sa next year. Next year, alam ko na kung paano i-handle 'yung pressure sa ganung kadaming crowd,” said Espartero.
Still, at the end of the day, Season 87 was a great run for the Tamaraws. Boasting a youthful roster, FEU rolled to the Finals with a 14-1 overall record.
“Unang-una sobrang proud sa lahat na part ng team and malaking bagay talaga tong Finals samin kasi halos lahat samin sobra kalahati puro rookies eh. So good thing na maaga pa lang may experience na agad sa ganung laruan, pahinga, tas trabaho ulit,” said Saavedra.
“Grabe yung pasalamat ko Lord kasi di namin inakala na madala namin sa Finals yung FEU. Ayun siguro malaking aral lang sakin to para sa next year na preparation,” added Espartero.