In what could be a very important game for Far Eastern University’s drive to return to the Final Four, Faida Bakanke delivered her most significant performance of the UAAP Season 86 Women’s Volleyball Tournament to date.
Against Ateneo de Manila University, the Lady Tamaraws’ closest pursuer for the fourth spot, the 22-year-old Congolese athlete unloaded a career-best 16 points on 15 attacks and a block.
Most importantly, FEU eked out a 19-25, 25-20, 25-20, 25-22 win over Ateneo to extend its lead to 2.5 games for the last remaining postseason spot on Thursday at the SM Mall of Asia Arena.
Heading into the match, Bakanke understood the implications that this game could bring moving forward, and that was enough motivation for her to erupt at the right time.
“I’m very happy because I need to win. We need to win this game,” said Bakanke post-game.
The Lady Tamaraws now hold a 5-4 record, creating more separation against the Blue Eagles at 3-7.
FEU is aiming to make its return to the Final Four after missing it in Seasons 81, 84, and 85.
The lefty opposite spiker credited her setter, Tin Ubaldo, for her constant growth and improvement during the tournament.
“We have confidence, and that is important for the team. I just trust Ate Tin (Ubaldo). I told her, ‘You just believe in yourself, we can do this,’ and she said, ‘Yes, Faida, I got you!’” she shared.
Ubaldo, who had 26 excellent sets to go with five points on three attacks and two service aces, said that Bakanke’s performance was a reflection of what they worked on during the Holy Week break.
“Sa training pa lang po kasi finofocus na namin yung connection namin ni Faida, kung hindi man niya mapalo may isang magaadjust sa amin,” said Ubaldo, a third-year playmaker.
“Sa training pa lang, yung miscommunication, yung hindi namin pag connect pinagaaralan na po namin kaya pag sa actual game na, alam na namin yung gagawin.”
Head coach Manolo Refugia continued to take pride in Bakanke’s rise but also reiterated that this was just the tip of the iceberg for the promising 6-foot spiker.
Bakanke had already added much to her arsenal that was mostly just crosscourt hits before. Now, she’s already hitting balls down-the-line and off combination plays.
“Siguro more pa para kay Faida. Always aim pa for the better para sa team. Kaya pa naman, mas marami pa siyang ipapakita,” said Refugia, who is in his first year as the Lady Tams’ head coach.
