At A Glance
- With rookie standout Sam Cantada sidelined due to a right shin injury, Celine Marsh stepped up to power National University past University of the East.
Celine Marsh steps up in NU's three-set win over UE. (UAAP Media)
By CHRISTAN SALVAÑA
Intern
With rookie standout Sam Cantada sidelined due to a right shin injury, Celine Marsh stepped up to power National University past University of the East.
The 20-year-old outside hitter delivered 11 points and 12 excellent digs to help the Lady Bulldogs secure a 25-19, 25-10, 25-19 sweep of the Lady Warriors in the UAAP Season 88 women’s volleyball tournament at the Smart Araneta Coliseum on Wednesday, March 4.
Cantada was forced to sit out after exiting their last game against University of the Philippines, which also saw the defending champions absorb their first loss of the season.
Tasked to fill the void, Marsh embraced the opportunity.
“Yung mindset ko lang po sa laro na ito is maglalaro lang po kung ano ’yung laro ko, and syempre mag-step up din po for Sam,” said Marsh.
“Always ready lang po ako, ready mag-step up in case bubunutin ulit ni coach,” she added.
Head coach Regine Diego lauded Marsh’s performance, underscoring NU’s next-woman-up mentality.
“With Cel, I never really doubted. I never really feel like malaki ’yung nawawala kapag may isang player na hindi makakalaro, because I know somebody else will help the team out,” said Diego.
Diego assured that Cantada’s injury is minor and that the rookie is simply resting.
“Sam is fine, she’s just resting. Hopefully, we get to see her next game,” she said.
NU aims to continue its winning ways when it faces Ateneo on Sunday, March 8, at the same venue.