UAAP: Faida Bakanke, Jaz Ellarina power FEU past Ateneo in straight sets

Faida Bakanke and Jaz Ellarina steered Far Eastern University to a 25-17, 25-17, 26-24 victory over Ateneo de Manila University in the UAAP Season 88 volleyball tournament on Wednesday at the Smart Araneta Coliseum.

After dominating the first two sets, the Lady Tamaraws faced a tough challenge from the Blue Eagles as they were close to forcing a fourth set with the Blue Eagles leading 22-17. Lovely Lopez and Jaz Ellarina then joined forces for a 9-2 run to take the victory. 

“Actually, may mga times na nakikita natin ‘yung character ng players natin kapag behind tayo sa game. Kung paano sila mag-respond, doon ako nagiging happy compared before na kapag lamang na ng lima, nawawalan na ng pag-asa,” said FEU head coach Tina Salak.

Bakanke finished with 12 points built on 10 attacks and two blocks, while Ellarina added 11 points from five attacks, three blocks, and three aces as the Lady Tamaraws improved to 3-2.

Zel Tunashima paced Ateneo with 11 points, but the Blue Eagles remained winless through five games.

—JKC, GMA Integrated News