Sam Cantada returned to the Taraflex for National University after missing one game.
For the sensational rookie from Dasmariñas, Cavite, the comeback felt even longer after two challenging matches.
After starting the UAAP Season 88 Collegiate Women’s Volleyball Tournament with two strong performances, Cantada was well contained by Far Eastern University in their February 21 game.
NU still secured a win via reverse sweep, 17-25, 16-25, 25-19, 25-21, 15-12, but Cantada found herself limited to just 10 points.
In their next game against University of the Philippines, a 25-16, 25-16, 22-25, 29-31, 16-18 defeat, the 19-year-old outside spiker could not finish the match. She left in the third set after sustaining a right shin injury, forcing her to miss NU’s game against University of the East last Wednesday.
(C) UAAP Season 86 Media Team
“Sobrang malaking bagay po siya sa akin (‘yung makabalik), lalo na po nung nakaraan po naming games, which is yung FEU na nabantayan po ako, and yung UP na chance ko na po makabawi, which is may plano sa akin si Lord,” said Cantada on Sunday.
“Pagbalik po sa training, nung nakakatalon na po ako, yun nga, pina-try po sa akin ng coaches na need ko mag-try ng new variation, so malaking bagay itong game po na ito. Nakakuha po ulit ako ng kumpiyansa na madadala ko po siya sa next game po namin, which is sa La Salle.”
Cantada was fielded from the second set onwards in NU’s 25-18, 25-18, 25-15 sweep of Ateneo de Manila University on Sunday at the Smart Araneta Coliseum.
She contributed six points and seven excellent receptions, boosting her confidence after a rough stretch of games.
Still, Cantada admitted she is still searching for her top form.
“As of now po sa laro ko ngayon, grateful pa rin naman po ako dahil nakabalik po ako and nakatulong din po ako sa team ngayong game,” she said.
“Yung game ko ngayon, parang hindi pa po yun ulit, pero again babalik po ulit kaming mag-training, magti-training po ulit. Doon po ulit namin kukunin yung kumpiyansa namin para po sa next game po namin.”
Up next for NU is a mammoth showdown with undefeated De La Salle University next Sunday at the SM Mall of Asia Arena.
There, Cantada will give her all in her first matchup against the Lady Spikers.
“’Yun nga po, sabi po ng mga Ate, ilalaban po talaga namin. Ilalaban talaga namin,” the former UAAP Girls Volleyball MVP said.
“Sa akin po, first time ko po kasi sila makakalaban. Ang gagawin ko lang po ay yung best ko kung ano po yung ma-co-contribute ko po sa team.”
#WATCH: GOOD FOR CONFIDENCE 🐶
Sam Cantada says she is still re-adjusting after missing the last two games for NU 🏐 #ReadMore 👉 https://t.co/q0M0G1QWdx
📹 @justinvalencia_ /Tiebreaker Times #UAAPSeason88 pic.twitter.com/ofpnkBdUAq
— Tiebreaker Times (@tiebreakertimes) March 8, 2026
