Faida Bakanke displayed an inspirational performance as Far Eastern University dealt College of St. Benilde its first loss in the 2023 V-League Women’s Collegiate Challenge, 25-23, 19-25, 25-16, 25-22, to move a win away from sweeping the preliminary round at the Paco Arena on Friday.
Bakanke, Lady Tams’ opposite hitter from Congo who just lost her father recently, unloaded a career-high 19 points on 13 attacks and an impressive six service aces.
“Happy naman ako dahil sa mga adjustments na ginawa namin. Yung adjustments na yun yung naglead sa amin para makuha namin yung gusto namin sa sistema namin,” said FEU interim head coach Manolo Refugia.
Tin Ubaldo orchestrated the Lady Tamaraws’ balanced attack with 19 excellent sets to go with nine points as Chenie Tagaod and Kiesha Bedonia netted 14 and 13 points, respectively.
Middle blockers Isabella Truz and Mitzi Panangin also delivered nine points apiece for the 6-0 FEU.
The Lady Blazers, who fell to 3-1, had Gayle Pascual and Jade Gentapa as their leading scorers with 17 points apiece.
The Lady Tamaraws will go for the sweep on Wednesday against fellow unbeaten team University of the East.
Meanwhile, Lyceum of the Philippines University finally scored its breakthrough win at the expense of reeling Enderun Colleges, 22-25, 25-20, 25-19, 24-26, 16-14.
Janeth Tulang, who was moved to the middle blocker position in the second set onwards, top-scored for the Lady Pirates with 22 points on 18 attacks and four blocks.
Johna Dolorito had a complete game of 20 points, 15 digs, and nine receptions, while Joan Doguna supplied 17 points as Lyceum improved to 1-5 for seventh.
Erika Deloria and Althea Botor were the one-two punch of Enderun with 22 and 21 points, respectively.
The Lady Titans suffered their third straight loss to drop to 1-4.
