MANILA — Rookie Sam Cantada delivered a breakout performance in her UAAP debut, firing 21 points as defending champion National University weathered a late University of Santo Tomas rally, 25-23, 25-19, 23-25, 26-24, to launch its Season 88 women’s volleyball title defense on a winning note at the SM Mall of Asia Arena in Pasay City.
Cantada showed poise beyond her years, hammering 17 attacks, unloading three aces, and adding one block, while anchoring the floor defense with 14 excellent receptions in a complete all-around performance for the Lady Bulldogs.
NU appeared headed for a straight-sets victory after edging UST in a tight opening frame and pulling away in the second set. But the Golden Tigresses regrouped and seized the third set to extend the match, capitalizing on crucial errors to shift the momentum.
With the fourth set hanging in the balance, UST stayed within striking distance and threatened to force a deciding fifth set. The Lady Bulldogs, however, leaned on their championship composure in the closing stretch, executing in crunch time to seal the four-set victory and assert their early-season dominance.
Evangeline Alinsug provided steady support with 18 points and 10 excellent receptions, while Negrense Arah Panique added 15 points to help NU sustain its offensive rhythm throughout the contest.
Angeline Poyos paced the Golden Tigresses with 18 points and 10 excellent receptions, while Julia Balingit, Xyza Gula, and Avril Bron contributed 10 markers each in the losing effort.
In the day’s other match, Adamson University announced its arrival in emphatic fashion, sweeping Ateneo de Manila University, 25-19, 25-18, 25-10, for a commanding opening-day victory.
Shaina Nitura led the Lady Falcons with 16 points, while Frances Mordi added 14 markers to power Adamson’s dominant performance.
Setter Felicity Sagaysay orchestrated the offense with precision, tallying 13 excellent sets and adding five points.
Negrense Alexia Montoro led Ateneo with five points, while Negrense Jihan Chuatico, Faye Nisperos, and Ilongga rookie Ana Hermosura chipped in three points each./PN
