Just two games into her UAAP collegiate career, Sam Cantada found herself on the other side of the Taraflex facing a familiar shade of blue — Adamson University, the very school where her name first resonated in the high school ranks.
But facing familiar faces — former head coach JP Yude and former teammates Abby Segui, Fhei Sagaysay, and Shai Nitura — did not stir dramatic emotions or lingering what-ifs for Cantada.
That focus translated seamlessly into her play. Cantada fired off 16 points, added nine excellent receptions, and recorded five excellent digs as National University secured a 25-23, 25-19, 28-26 sweep of Adamson University.
The lefty outside hitter remained unbeaten through two games in the UAAP Season 88 Women’s Volleyball Tournament, Wednesday afternoon at the UST Quadricentennial Pavilion.
Cantada continued her strong start to her collegiate career after contributing 21 points in a four-set win over title contender University of Santo Tomas just last Sunday.
(C) UAAP Season 88 Media Team
“Actually, po wala na pong emotions. Ok naman na po ’yon talaga, ok naman po. And siyempre hindi na para isali, game is game po, labas na ’yung mga ganon,” Cantada shared.
“Yun nga po, sabi ko rin naman po kanina before yung game, ang mindset ko lang is mag-focus lang and gawin ko lang yung best ko kasi yun nga po, game is game lang. Past na yun, tapos na po yun, and alam ko naman po na ngayon na is ok na sila doon, and ok na din ako dito.”
Beneath the composed play and maturity that the 18-year-old has shown a quiet pride. Cantada could not help but admire the growth on both sides of the net — her own evolution navigating the bright lights of UAAP women’s volleyball, and the continued rise of the core that once carried Adamson to its first-ever UAAP girls’ volleyball title.
During that championship run in Season 86, Nitura earned MVP honors, Sagaysay was named Best Setter, and Segui was hailed as Best Opposite Spiker. Cantada, meanwhile, made waves in Season 87, capturing the MVP award in the Baby Lady Falcons’ silver-medal run.
Just months after Season 87, the 5-foot-7 outside spiker transferred to NU, briefly representing the Lady Bullpups in the 2025 Palarong Pambansa and the 2025 Shakey’s Girls Volleyball Invitational League.
“Siyempre po, I’m happy for each and every one kasi nakikita ko naman din na gusto din talaga nila, though nakakapos, ganun naman talaga,” Cantada said.
“Like sa amin, puwede rin kaming makapos every time, pero hindi po namin hahayaan na mangyari ’yung pagtatrabahuhan at pagtatrabahuhan namin ’yon.”
