FEU's Faida Bakanke and DLSU's Noel Kampton earned the UAAP Players of the Week citation for their pivotal performances in helping secure playoff spots for their teams.
Both Faida Bakanke of Far Eastern University and Noel Kampton of De La Salle University stepped up when it counted most, solidifying their teams' positions in the playoff race of the UAAP Season 86 volleyball tournament.
Bakanke guided the Lady Tamaraws back to the women's Final Four after a two-year absence, while Kampton ensured the Green Spikers remained contenders for a men's semifinal spot as the elimination rounds neared their conclusion.
Their contributions were pivotal in securing playoff berths for their teams, earning them recognition as the Collegiate Press Corps' UAAP Players of the Week, presented by San Miguel Corporation, for the period spanning April 9 to 14.
Bakanke, the talented rookie from Congo, showcased her prowess by scoring 13 points in the Lady Tamaraws' victory over Adamson on April 9.
She then delivered a standout performance, tallying 21 points, including a career-high four blocks, against league-leading UST in a match that went the distance, 19-25, 25-19, 21-25, 25-20, 15-10, last April 13.
"Siyempre, nakaka-proud si Faida, 'yung story niya rin kasi na simula last year, 'yung pagdating niya from Congo, eh talagang mahirap para sa kaniya, culture, 'yung language barrier," coach Manolo Refugia said of his rookie as FEU completed the Final Four at 7-4 with still three games to go.
"Talagang mahirap pero in-embrace niya. Magaling siya, madaling maka-adapt ant ayun, nakuha niya ang system."
Bakanke secured the weekly citation over her teammate Jean Asis, as well as competitors such as NU's Vange Alinsug, DLSU's Shevana Laput, Ateneo's Roma Doromal, UST's Regina Jurado, and Adamson's Barbie Jamili. The recognition was backed by minor sponsors Discovery Suites and Jockey.
"I'm very happy that we got this game, we also respect the system of the coaches. I'm so proud of my team. I'm very happy and proud of my team since we did well, that is most important," said Bakanke.
Meanwhile, Kampton came through in crucial moments, delivering powerful attacks when it mattered most, resulting in a 17-point performance for a depleted La Salle team in their 25-17, 25-11, 25-21 triumph over UE on April 9, which ended UE's playoff hopes.
As the ace outside spiker, Kampton showcased his versatility by not only scoring 18 points but also making 22 excellent receptions and seven excellent digs in La Salle's remarkable 25-19, 25-17, 31-33, 27-25 victory against three-time defending champion NU on Sunday.
The crucial win enabled the Green Spikers, with an 8-3 record, to maintain their third-place position in the fiercely contested playoff race.
"Sa last (remaining) games, wala namang masama mangarap. Ita-try naming ma-sweep ang remaining games. I'm not saying na mananalo kami but we'll do our best," said Kampton.
"Ito muna kami sa second round, doon muna kami mag-focus talaga."
Kampton edged past teammate Vince Maglinao, as well as competitors including FEU's Ariel Cacao, NU's Nico Almendras, Ateneo's Ken Batas, UST's Josh Ybañez, and UP's Jaivee Malabanan for the weekly honors, which were deliberated upon by print and online media regularly covering the collegiate beat.