UAAP: Sam Cantada introduces herself with marvelous showing vs UST

There was no such thing as first game jitters for super rookie Sam Cantada, providing down the stretch to give National University a hard fought opening weekend victory against University of Santo Tomas.

On the ropes towards the tail end of the fourth set, 19-23, the UAAP Season 87 Girls Most Valuable Player out of Adamson University uncorked three service aces to help NU claw back and claim the set, 26-24.

Captivating the Lady Bulldogs fans throughout the highly anticipated matchup, Cantada concluded her debut with a game-leading 21 points and 14 excellent receptions.

Overcoming her initial doubts in the lead up and during her first game, Cantada was upbeat that she was able to steer her team to a win.

“Tine-testing ako nung sa training. Ang pangit ng mga service ko, inconsistent ako. Tumatakbo sa isip ko na kailangan ko i-overcome 'yun…Kailangan ko ilaban ‘to,” shared Cantada.

Slotting into a Lady Bulldogs squad that is attempting to defend the volleyball crown, the 18-year-old kept an open mind despite her outstanding debut game against the Growling Tigresses.

“Para sa akin naman, wala kaming dapat patunayan. Gawin lang namin 'yung best namin every game…Kasi manalo, matalo man, madami naman po kaming matututunan at madadala sa mga next games namin,” asserted the former high school MVP.

Showering praise for her freshman player, NU head coach Regine Diego claimed that she was not surprised with how Cantada stood out amongst a star studded court.

“I’ve seen it so many times already. 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,” said Diego.

—JKC, GMA Integrated News