NU rookie Sam Cantada gains experience from UAAP Finals loss

Sam Cantada (12) and the NU Lady Bulldogs during Game 2 of the UAAP Season 88 women’s volleyball Finals against La Salle.–MARLO CUETO/INQUIRER.net

MANILA, Philippines — After receiving a baptism of fire in her first UAAP women’s volleyball Finals, Sam Cantada charged National University’s loss to experience, vowing to bounce back in the following seasons to come.

Cantada, this year’s top rookie, couldn’t help NU keep its three-peat dream going as La Salle ended their dynasty by completing a 16-0 sweep of the UAAP Season 88 women’s volleyball tournament.

“Of course, we’ll carry this experience with us because we really fought hard. We went through so much as a team,” said Cantada in Filipino after NU was crushed in Game 2, 25-22, 25-16, 25-16, before a packed crowd at Mall of Asia Arena.

“We know in ourselves that we’re capable, and considering everything we went through, just reaching the finals was already a big achievement for us.”

“Next season, of course, we’ll work even harder,” she added.

READ: UAAP: Stifled in Game 1, NU rookie Sam Cantada vows bounce back

The 19-year-old Cantada debuted in the Finals with two points, followed by an 8-point effort in Game 2.

She still relished the lessons she got in facing experienced La Salle stars Angel Canino and Shevana Laput.

“I’m really grateful to compete against players like them who already have a lot of experience. I can learn a lot from them—especially their toughness and how badly they want the game,” she said.

“Thank you to the Lord because He gave me the talent to earn this award. I also want to thank my coaches and teammates for trusting me and helping me achieve this recognition,” she said.