An early Rookie of the Year contender?
The FEU Lady Tamaraws impressed many fans during their run back in UAAP Season 85.
While the team fell short of its goal of making the Final Four, the Lady Tamaraws proved that they could go toe-to-toe against some of the top teams in the league.
FEU finished Season 85 in fifth place and a 6-8 win-loss record, a five-game improvement from Season 84.
With most of their key players still on the roster, the Lady Tamaraws look much more dangerous this season with the addition of Congolese rookie, Faida Bakanke.
The 6-foot opposite hitter has proven how lethal she can be for the Lady Tamaraws, leading the team to a runner-up finish in the V-League Women’s Collegiate Challenge, and a third place run in the Shakey’s Super League Collegiate Pre-Season Championship.
But more than what she contributes to the team on the court, it’s what she also provides off the court that makes her much more special, according to middle blocker Tin Ubaldo.
“If ever may nagtatanong kung anong bago samin this season, 'yung bago is 'yung addition ni Faida talaga,” Ubaldo told reporters during the UAAP Season 86 press conference on Monday.
“Sobrang laki nung pagbabago, hindi lang sa skill tsaka inside the court, pati 'yung mentality and emotions,” she added.
With Season 86 right around the corner, Ubaldo and Interim coach Manolo Refugia expressed their confidence about the team’s readiness for the new season, especially after their training camp in Thailand.
“Siyempre sa mga napagdaananan namin, na-experience namin nung offseason, tapos 'yung paghahanda namin going dito sa UAAP, so ramdam naman namin na ready kami,” said Refugia.
“Lahat nung binaon namin from Thailand parang gagamitin naman namin siya this coming UAAP kaya feeling ko ready kami,” Ubaldo added.
[ALSO READ: UAAP: Chenie Tagaod confident of FEU’s return to Final Four]