For National University rookie Sam Cantada, a familiar sports truth came into sharper focus on the biggest stage: to become the best, you have to go through the best.
That lesson was tested to its limits in the UAAP Season 88 Collegiate Women’s Volleyball Finals, where “the best” wore the colors of De La Salle University — powered by Angel Canino, guided by legendary head coach Ramil de Jesus, and backed by a championship-tested core that ultimately completed a sweep to dethrone the Lady Bulldogs.
NU’s title bid fell short, but for Cantada, the experience only reinforced her belief in the process of growth.
Facing elite names like Canino, Amie Provido, Shevana Laput, and Lyka de Leon — who all emerged as two-time UAAP champions after Season 88 — Cantada sees every exchange on the court as a lesson rather than a setback.
“Siyempre, grateful din ako na magkaroon ako ng kalaban na ganyan, may experience na,” Cantada told reporters postgame.
“Mapupulot ko rin talaga sa kanila kung gaano sila katapang at kung gaano nila kagusto talaga yung game.”
Despite the struggles of her first UAAP Finals appearance, the Season 88 Rookie of the Year left the SM Mall of Asia Arena on Saturday with a sense of fulfillment, knowing NU had once again proven its place among the league’s elite programs.
In the two-game championship series, the 5-foot-7 outside hitter from Dasmariñas, Cavite endured a difficult outing. She found herself limited to two points on 1-of-16 attacking in Game 1 before bouncing back with eight kills in Game 2, alongside eight excellent receptions in a hard-fought finale.
But beyond the numbers, Cantada emphasized that what defined NU’s season was the resilience forged through adversity — both on and off the court — making their silver finish feel like a big step forward instead of a step back.
“Worth it naman ito kasi linaban talaga namin. Sobrang dami naming napagdaanan. I mean, alam namin sa sarili namin na kaya namin. Pero yung sa dami naming pinagdaanan, parang malaking bagay na yung makaabot kami sa Finals,” the 19-year-old outside hitter said.
“Next season, siyempre, pagtatrabahuan talaga namin. Yon talaga ang main goal, pagtatrabahuan namin.”
