UAAP volleyball: Faida Bakanke continues to deliver for FEU

FEU Lady Tamaraws’ Faida Bakanke in the UAAP Season 86 women’s volleyball tournament. –MARLO CUETO/INQUIRER.net

MANILA, Philippines — Faida Bakanke’s desire to win led to her career-high 16 points as Far Eastern University bolstered its Final Four chances in the UAAP Season 86 women’s volleyball tournament.

The Congolese spiker poured in 15 attacks and a block to lead FEU’s 19-25, 25-20, 25-20, 25-22, to tighten its grip on the solo fourth place with an improved 5-4 record on Thursday at Mall of Asia Arena.

FEU’s win also helped La Salle (8-1) and National University (8-2) clinch their spots in the Final Four, joining league leader University of Santo Tomas (9-1) and leaving one more slot.

READ: UAAP volleyball: FEU nears Final Four bid after edging Ateneo

“I’m very happy because you know, I need to win, and when I saw the game I need to play well and give my [100 percent] performance,” said Bakanke.

Bakanke credited her big game to the trust of setter Tin Ubaldo, who dished out 26 excellent sets on top of five points. 

“We have confidence and that is important to the team. I trust Ate Tin and I told Ate Tin you just believe in yourself, we can do it. She said yes Faida, I got you,” she said.

READ: UAAP volleyball: Faida Bakanke poised to be x-factor for FEU

Ubaldo said she will always trust Bakanke and her teammates, encouraging them to make up for their mistakes whenever they commit errors.

“We train our connection with Faida. If she can’t hit, we adjust. We work on our lapses, miscommunication during training so we know what to do during the actual game,”  said the FEU setter in Filipino.

After Bakanke’s career night, FEU coach Manolo Refugia believes the best is yet to come for their rookie as they play crucial games looking to end a five-year Final Four drought.

“I guess Faida needs to give more. Always aim for improvement for the team. I know there’s still a lot she can show,” Refugia said.