Sam Cantada shines under pressure in glowing NU Lady Bulldogs debut

MANILA, Philippines – Sam Cantada could not have had a better UAAP women’s volleyball debut as she relieved herself of the pressure that came with being a highly touted rookie joining a proven team in the NU Lady Bulldogs.

Cantada shone under the bright lights and powered the Lady Bulldogs to a pulsating 25-23, 25-19, 23-25, 26-24 win over the UST Golden Tigresses in their Season 88 opener on Sunday, February 15, at the Mall of Asia Arena.

She finished with a game-high 21 points to go with 14 receptions as the Lady Bulldogs started their three-peat bid in style by seeing off an opponent that is seen as one of their closest contenders for the title this season. 

“I’ve regained my confidence. I just need to push myself more and be more consistent,” said Cantada in a mix of Filipino and English. 

Expectations were high for Cantada going into the senior ranks.

Cantada is a UAAP Juniors MVP coming to an NU crew that looks to sustain its winning ways despite the departures of Bella Belen and Alyssa Solomon, who steered the Lady Bulldogs to three championships in the last four seasons.

So playing that well in her first game felt like a huge weight off her shoulders. 

The Tigresses were poised to force a decider after mounting a commanding 23-19 lead in the fourth set before Cantada took charge in a win-sealing 7-1 run she highlighted with three crucial aces and one attack.

Cantada scored 7 of Lady Bulldogs’ last 10 points — a demonstration that NU remains in good hands. 

“I know a lot of people might think that what Sam did was just luck, but I’ve seen her do it so many times already, so that’s who she really is. It’s her character,” said Lady Bulldogs head coach Regine Diego of Cantada.

“She’s a really good fighter, especially in crucial games, so I didn’t doubt her.”

While all eyes are on Cantada, she said she is not alone in that mission to keep NU on top. 

Veteran outside hitter Vange Alinsug backstopped Cantada with 18 points, Aira Panique produced 15 points, while libero Shaira Jardio recorded 20 receptions and 14 digs. 

“Ate Bel set a really high standard. But if we’re there for each other, we’re not going to have a hard time,” Cantada said. 

“We don’t have to depend on just one person, because when each of us performs well, everything becomes easier.”  – Rappler.com