Faida Bakanke is taking her talents to the professional ranks, forgoing her final playing year with Far Eastern University after signing with French club Vandoeuvre Nancy Volley-Ball.
The 6-foot-1 opposite hitter was officially unveiled on Sunday evening by VNVB, which competes in France’s Ligue A Féminine, the country’s top professional women’s volleyball league.
“Powerful, ambitious, and determined, Faida brings all her energy and impact at the net in the colors of the Panthers. A new step in her career, and a new weapon for the Nancy squad,” the club said in its social media announcement.
(C) UAAP Season 88 Media Team
Bakanke, 23, spent three seasons with the Lady Tamaraws, emerging as one of the team’s key offensive pieces in the UAAP.
In UAAP Season 88, she ranked 13th in the league in scoring with 168 total points, built from 134 attacks, 31 blocks, and three service aces.
Despite her solid output, FEU fell short of a Final Four berth last season.
Her departure leaves a significant void for the Lady Tamaraws, particularly at the opposite hitter position, as Manolo Refugia and his squad prepare for UAAP Season 89 without one of their primary scoring threats.
