Faida Bakanke continues her solid form in the second round of the UAAP Season 86 women's volleyball tournament after powering the FEU Lady Tamaraws to victory over the UP Fighting Maroons on Saturday, April 20.
After a slow start to the UAAP Season 86 women's volleyball tournament, Faida Bakanke has seemingly found her form for Far Eastern University.
The Congolese rookie finished with a game-high 19 points built on 16 attacks, two blocks, and one ace in FEU's four-set win over the University of the Philippines.
In their five-game winning run, Bakanke finished with double-digit figures in all of the contests. Her best performance came during FEU's huge win over the University of Santo Tomas last Saturday.
The 21-year-old opposite hitter admitted her eagerness to bounce back to help the Manolo Refugia-led Lady Tamaraws.
"Through the second round, I'm very [determined] to make bawi because the first round, I did not play like I've [played] in the competitions like the V-League [Women’s Collegiate Challenge] and Shakey's [Super League]," Bakake said during the post-game press conference.
"I said I need to make bawi, always just talking with coach [Manolo]. I said to coach, I need to make bawi, give me [another] chance to do well," she added.
Refugia, meanwhile, had nothing but praises for Bakanke, who has since adjusted to her teammates and the UAAP life.
"Nakaka-proud si Faida kasi first round, nag-struggle siya. Talagang hindi pa siya comfortable sa UAAP pero nung nakatikim na siya, nakaramdam na siya, and naka-usap niya 'yung mga teammates niya, 'yun naniwala siya mismo sa sarili niya na kaya niya pala," said Refugia.
"Ginagawa lang namin consistent na maging ganun 'yung performance ni Faida or higitan niya pa 'yung every last game niya," he added.
FEU will look to end the elimination round on a solid note as they go up against National University at the Smart Araneta Coliseum in Cubao on Wednesday, April 24 at 4:00 p.m.