Joining one of the country’s top collegiate volleyball programs in National University already comes with immense pressure.
But stepping into the role left by one of the school’s all-time greats raises the stakes to an entirely different level.
Sam Cantada, however, is not one to shy away from a challenge. On Sunday night, the 18-year-old winger proved she is a worthy heir to three-time MVP and Lady Bulldogs legend Bella Belen.
Cantada delivered in the clutch, powering NU to a gritty four-set victory over University of Santo Tomas, 25-23, 25-19, 23-25, 26-24, in the UAAP Season 88 Women’s Volleyball Tournament at the SM Mall of Asia Arena.
“Sobrang grabe po yung pressure sa akin, kasi po ang taas po talaga ng standard na iniwan ni Ate Bella,” said Cantada.
“Pero siyempre, nandiyan naman po yung coaches at teammates ko na tinutulungan nila ako. Every training pinupush nila ako.”
(C) UAAP Season 88 Media Team
The UAAP Season 87 High School Girls’ Volleyball MVP scored seven of the Lady Bulldogs’ final 10 points, sparking a comeback from a 16-20 deficit to launch their three-peat bid emphatically.
She finished with a game-high 21 points built on 17 attacks and three service aces — all coming during NU’s decisive closing run. She also had 14 excellent receptions in a two-way performance reminiscent of Belen’s dominance.
“Nasa utak ko lang po, tinetesting po ako sa training — like ang pangit po ng mga service ko, inconsistent po ako,” said the product of Adamson High School.
“Tumatak po sa isip ko na kailangan kong i-overcome ’yon, kailangan kong maging consistent, kailangan kong ilaban ito kasi nakikita ko sa mga teammates ko na nilalaban din nila.”
Having seen Cantada’s relentless work ethic in practice, first-year NU head coach Regine Diego hardly felt surprised by her breakout performance, describing her as a fighter who thrives in high-pressure moments.
“Well, sa totoo lang, I know a lot of people will say na chamba yung kay Sam, but I’ve seen it so many times already,” said Diego.
“So, it’s her, it’s her character. She’s a really good fighter lalo sa crucial games, so I didn’t doubt her and I was so sure that she’s going to make it hanggang sa dulo.”
#WATCH: PRESSURE 🐶
Sam Cantada knows there’s huge pressure on her to follow in Bella Belen’s footsteps, but she’s ready for it thanks to her coaches 🏐#ReadMore 👉 https://t.co/jDfr9jq4Wk
📹 @jonashdcd /Tiebreaker Times#UAAPSeason88 pic.twitter.com/TBEAu8Vsff
— Tiebreaker Times (@tiebreakertimes) February 15, 2026
