Sam Cantada lived up to the hype as National University opened its ‘three-peat’ bid with a thrilling 25-23, 25-19, 23-25, 26-24 victory over University of Santo Tomas in the UAAP Season 88 Women’s Volleyball Tournament.
The Lady Bulldogs and the Golden Tigresses delivered a gripping showdown in front of 15,215 fans at the SM Mall of Asia Arena on Sunday.
Cantada, the Season 87 High School Girls’ Volleyball MVP, spearheaded NU’s comeback from a 16-20 deficit in the fourth set. She scored seven of the team’s final 10 points — including three aces — to seal the win in two hours and 15 minutes.
(C) UAAP Season 88 Media Team
“Sa totoo lang, I know a lot of people na chamba ‘yung kay Sam, but I’ve seen it so many times already, so it’s her,” said head coach Regine Diego, who secured a victory in her coaching debut for NU.
“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.”
The Golden Tigresses were still in control at 23-19 before Cantada ignited NU’s decisive run. She began with a sharp crosscourt kill, then fired back-to-back aces to pull the Lady Bulldogs within one, 22-23.
Vange Alinsug tied the match at 23-all with an off-the-block hit, before Cantada unleashed another ace to hand NU the match point, 24-23.
Although Angge Poyos kept UST alive with a point to extend the set, Alinsug responded with a hit that grazed the blockers’ fingers. Poyos’ ensuing attack sailed out, sealing the victory for the Lady Bulldogs.
“Nasa utak ko lang po, tinitesting ako sa training. Ang pangit po ng mga serve ko, inconsistent ako. Tumatak lang sa isip ko na kailangan kong i-overcome yun,” said Cantada, who finished with a game-high 21 points built on 17 attacks, three aces, and a block, along with 14 excellent receptions.
“Kailangan kong ilaban ito kasi nakikita ko po sa teammates ko na nilalaban po nila.”
Alinsug added 18 points, while Arah Panique chipped in 15 markers despite not seeing action in the fourth set.
Shaira Jardio also stood out defensively with 20 excellent receptions and 14 excellent digs.
Up next for NU is Adamson University on Wednesday at the UST Quadricentennial Pavilion.
(C) UAAP Season 88 Media Team
Poyos led the Golden Tigresses with 18 points on 15 attacks and three blocks, while Xyza Gula contributed 10 points and five digs.
Rookies Julia Balingit and Avril Bron also scored 10 points apiece in the loss.
UST will have a week to regroup before facing De La Salle University next Sunday at the same Pasay venue.
