FEU's Faida Bakanke in action against Letran in the 2025 V-League Collegiate Challenge, August 19, 2025 at the Paco Arena Events and Sports Center in Manila. PVL Media
MANILA -- Far Eastern University regained its winning ways in the 2025 V-League Collegiate Challenge on Tuesday, turning back Colegio de San Juan de Letran in four sets at the Paco Arena Events and Sports Center in Manila.
The Lady Tamaraws needed to overcome a third set blip before taking a 25-21, 25-18, 20-25, 25-20 result against the Lady Knights.
It was a bounce-back result for FEU, which is coming off a five-set defeat to fellow UAAP contender Adamson University last week. Leading the way for the Morayta-based spikers were Faida Bakanke, Tin Ubaldo, Jaz Ellarina, and Gerz Petallo.
Bakanke shone with 18 points built on 15 attacks, two blocks, and an ace, steering FEU to a 2-1 win-loss card and tightening their hold on third place.
"Sa skills kasi, lahat naman talented. Ang sinabi ko kanina sa huddle is this game is more on their attitude. Kung paano nila gusto gawin yung gusto nila mangyari sa game. Most likely ang sa akin lang is for them to focus more on the mental [aspect]," said Lady Tamaraws head coach Tina Salak.
Letran looked ready to carry its third-set momentum after building an 8-4 lead to start the fourth. But the trio of Alas Pilipinas Women opposite hitter Cla Loresco, Bakanke, and Ellarina engineered a pivotal 12-5 rally that flipped the score to 16-13 in favor of FEU.
That cushion proved enough as Petallo delivered an ace, Bakanke followed up with an offspeed hit and a block, and a Gia Maquilang attack error sealed the Lady Tamaraws’ hard-fought triumph in one hour and 51 minutes.
In the third set, FEU fell behind by as many as six points, 9-15, and never recovered as costly errors from youngsters Kyle Pendon and Ia David in the clutch denied them a straight-sets win.
Ellarina contributed 12 points on eight attacks and four blocks, while Loresco chipped in nine points in her V-League return for FEU after her stint with the Nationals in the recently concluded 5th Southeast Asia V.League.
Petallo added eight points and nine excellent digs, while Alyssa Devosora and Pendon scored five apiece. Ubaldo, meanwhile, steered the offense with 14 excellent sets.
On the other hand, Letran remained winless through two matches.
Judiel Nitura carried the fight for the Lady Knights with 20 points on 16 attacks, two aces, and two blocks, while Maquilang added 14 points on 11 attacks along with 13 excellent receptions.