By Angel Joyce C. Basa

Far Eastern University (FEU) Lady Tamaraw Faida Bakanke led to build Final Four chances in victory against the Adamson University (AdU) Lady Falcons, 25-19, 25-23, 25-23, in the second round eliminations of the University Athletic Association of the Philippines (UAAP) Season 86 women’s volleyball tourney earlier today, April 9, at the Smart Araneta Coliseum in  Quezon City.

The Congo-native Tamaraw tallied 13 points out of 11 attacks and two blocks to seal the game in straight sets.

In a post-game conference, FEU Head Coach Manolo Refugia commended the growth of the rookie foreign student-athlete under their program.

“Syempre nakaka-proud kasi si Faida, ‘yung story niya rin kasi na simula last year n’ong pagdating niya from Congo, talagang mahirap para sa kanya–’yung culture, ‘yung language barrier, talagang mahirap para sa kaniya pero in-embrace niya, magaling siya [at] madali siyang maka-adapt (Of course I am proud of Faida because her story starting last year when she arrived from Congo, it was really hard for her–the culture, language barrier, it was very hard for her but she embraced it, she's good and she easily adapted),” he said.

Chenie Tagaod closely trailed Bakanke in scoring as she poured 12 points out of eight attacks, two blocks, and two service aces.

Tamaraw standout Gerzel Petallo also contributed 11 points with nine attacks and two blocks, while Jean Asis completed the four Lady Tamaraws with double digit scoring as she rolled in 10 points.

As the eliminations inch closer to an end, Refugia also shared how they feel with their current standing in the tournament.

“Sa kinalalagyan namin ngayon, parang syempre mas gigil pa kami na makamit ‘yung goal namin na, ‘yun nga, makapasok sa Final Four and also ‘yung mga goal din namin na mabawian namin ‘yung [games na] talo kami n’ong first round (With our current standing, we are more eager to reach our goal of getting into the Final Four and also our goal of getting back at the games where we lost in the first round),” Refugia said.

With a 6-4 win-loss record at hand, the Morayta-based volleybelles are looking to hold on to their spot as they go up against the University of Santo Tomas (UST) Golden Tigresses on Saturday, April 13, at the Ninoy Aquino Stadium.

(Photo by Ralph Mari Castro/FEU Advocate)