Far Eastern University bounced back from an energy-draining loss with a dominant performance, overpowering NCAA champion College of St. Benilde, 25-16, 25-14, 25-22, in the V-League Women’s Collegiate Challenge at Paco Arena in Manila on Sunday.
Congolese winger Faida Bakanke led the charge for the Lady Tamaraws, posting a game-high 12 points, with 11 coming from attacks. Her performance spearheaded FEU’s swift, decisive one-hour and 16-minute demolition of the Lady Blazers.
“Good game kasi ‘yun naman ‘yung objective, ang manalo. Tapos ayun, maayos naman ‘yung pinakita ng core group, kaso nga lang marami pang kailangan ayusin talaga,” said FEU head coach Manolo Refugia, whose team suffered a tough five-set defeat to the UP Lady Maroons last Wednesday.
Jean Asis contributed 11 points, including four from blocks, while Gerzel Petallo and Clarisse Loresco added nine and seven points, respectively.
Team captain and playmaker Tin Ubaldo orchestrated the offense with 16 excellent sets and added three markers.
The Lady Tamaraws hope to build on their victory as they face UAAP rival University of Santo Tomas Golden Tigresses on Sunday at 12 noon.
Meanwhile, St. Benilde fell to 0-2 following a similar shutout loss to the University of the East last Wednesday.
Rhea Densing led the Lady Blazers with seven points, while Zamantha Nolasco and Wielyn Estoque each contributed six points.
Benilde aims to rebound against the University of the Philippines at 10 a.m. on Sunday.
