FEU wins men's and women's volleyball vs Ateneo

Far Eastern University (FEU) secured a crucial five-set victory over Ateneo de Manila University in both men's and women's volleyball tournaments, maintaining their top position in the UAAP Season 86 men's volleyball tournament on Thursday.

In the women's match, FEU's Lady Tamaraws defeated Ateneo with standout performances by Faida Bakanke (career-high 16 points) and Chen Tagaod (16 points), improving to a 5-4 record and tightening their grip on solo fourth place.

FEU coach Manolo Refugia acknowledged lapses in their performance but praised the team's hard work during the break, while Ateneo fell to fifth place with a 3-7 record despite strong performances from Lyan Marie Loise De Guzman (11 points) and Sophia Beatriz Buena (14 points).

Bakanke credited her big game to the trust of setter Tin Ubaldo, who dished out 26 excellent sets on top of five points.

FEU's win helped La Salle (8-1) and National University (8-2) clinch their spots in the Final Four, joining league leader University of Santo Tomas (9-1), leaving one more slot available.

After Bakanke's career night, FEU coach Manolo Refugia believes the best is yet to come for their rookie as they play crucial games looking to end a five-year Final Four drought.