Rookie Sam Cantada’s heroics fueled the National University Lady Bulldogs to a perfect 2-0 start in UAAP Season 88, as the defending champions secured wins over the UST Golden Tigresses and the Adamson Lady Falcons at the Mall of Asia Arena and the Smart Araneta Coliseum to prove they remain the team to beat.
NU opened its three-peat campaign on February 15 with a hard-fought 25-23, 25-19, 23-25, 26-24 victory over UST—an early-season test that tightened in the fourth set when the Tigresses threatened to extend the match.
Cantada stepped up in crunch time after scoring seven of the Lady Bulldog’s final 10 points to ultimately seal the deal.
She finished with a game-high 21 points built on 17 attacks, three aces, and a block.
The Bulldogs sensation also contributed 14 receptions in an all-around performance that established NU on both ends of the floor.
Head coach Regine Diego dismissed the idea that Cantada’s late upswing was mere luck in an interview with ABS-CBN Sports: “A lot of people will say it’s chamba, but I’ve seen it so many times—it’s her character; she’s a fighter in crucial times.”
Cantada acknowledged the weight of expectations in the same post-game interview, especially with the departure of Bella Belen: “Sobrang grabe yung pressure sa akin—ang taas po ng standard na iniwan ni ate Bella,” she said.
She added that her confidence came from preparation: “Tine-testing naman na ako sa training… tumatak po sa isip ko na kailangan kong i-overcome yun.”
The storyline felt heavier days later when Cantada found herself across the net from Adamson at the Smart Araneta Coliseum—the same court where she once made her mark in the juniors division.
Meanwhile, Cantada, reeling 16 points, continued to star for NU as they walked away with a 25-22, 25-18, 25-20 sweep of Adamson University on February 18.
Across from her, Adamson’s rising player Shaina Nitura, who poured in 18 markers for her team, turned the match into a compelling showdown between two rising stars.
The duel did not go unnoticed; fans buzzed on social media, while broadcasters pointed to it as a preview of the league’s future—less about the past and more about what the UAAP could look like in the years ahead.
Cantada, however, refused to let nostalgia take over in her post-match interview with One Sports: “Actually, wala na pong emotions—okay naman na po ‘yun talaga… game is game, labas na yung mga ganon,” she said calmly.
She added that her only focus before stepping on the floor was to stay locked in: “Ang minindset ko lang is magfocus lang… past na yun, tapos na po yun.”
Her steady tone reflected the composure NU is known for, and with reliable support from veterans like Vange Alinsug, the National University Lady Bulldogs looked every bit like a champion—consistently in control and unfazed by change.
Two games into UAAP Season 88, NU does not appear to be adjusting to a new era—it appears to be embracing it. The Lady Bulldogs now turned their attention to the FEU Lady Tamaraws, hoping to keep their momentum and prove that their perfect start is no fluke.
Written by Rain Rellora, Insight PH
Rain Rellora, Insight PH is a dedicated campus journalist and contributor. Their insightful writing sparks meaningful conversations and keeps the community informed.
