Sam Cantada stood her ground as she led the NU Lady Bulldogs to a straight-sets victory over her former team, the Adamson Lady Falcons, 25–23, 25–19, 28–26, in the UAAP Season 88 women’s volleyball tournament at the UST Quadricentennial Pavilion in Manila.
Cantada got the last laugh against former teammates Shaina Nitura, Abby Segui, and Fhei Sagaysay in a tightly contested third set. Adamson trailed by three midway through the frame, 12–15, before Frances Mordi and Eloi Dote sparked a rally with back-to-back attacks to seize set point, 24–23, in an attempt to extend the match.
NU Lady Bulldogs Show Composure Down the Stretch
NU, however, held its composure as Cantada delivered in crunch time, while Alexa Mata fired an ace to seal the win for the Lady Bulldogs, 28–26.
“Siyempre, I am very proud of them and happy, even though nahirapan kami. I think it’s one way for us to learn more, and we have to gel more because we’re not new to this, but we have to gel pa more since this is kind of a new team. We just have to stay humble and continue,” said Lady Bulldogs head coach Regine Diego.
Cantada paced NU with 16 points built on 13 attacks, 2 blocks, and 1 ace. Arah Panique added 13 points on 9 attacks and 4 blocks, while Vange Alinsug, Alexa Mata, and Nierva Maaya chipped in 6 points each.
For Adamson, Nitura finished with 18 points, all from attacks, while Mordi tallied 17 markers on 16 attacks and 1 block.
The NU Lady Bulldogs continue their campaign on Saturday, February 21, at 3:00 p.m. against the FEU Lady Tamaraws at the SM Mall of Asia Arena in Pasay City. Earlier that day, the Adamson Lady Falcons face the UE Lady Red Warriors at 1:00 p.m. at the same venue.
