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Manila Bulletin devider Sports devider Collegiate devider Looks like NU is back to its element – thanks to 'Sam-sational' rookie

Looks like NU is back to its element – thanks to 'Sam-sational' rookie

Published Mar 19, 2026 02:01 pm

At A Glance

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And Diego was thankful that rookie Sam Cantada was in 'beast mode' in their rematch with the Fighting Maroons that she erupted for 32 points – second best in NU history after the 34 of Alyssa Solomon in Game 2 of the Season 85 Finals against the Lady Spikers,
It takes time, perseverance and lots of sacrifices before all the good things in life, and even in the sporting arena come to fruition.
It’s a timeless adage and National University new head coach Regine Diego is a firm believer of that having a good grasp of world history that ‘Rome was not built in a day’.
A former La Salle standout, Diego even sees a tougher road ahead of them as they carry a huge target on their back in their bid to complete a three-peat in the UAAP Season 88 women's volleyball tournament.
The team’s performance in the first round was good enough after posting a 5-2 mark – second best behind the rampaging La Salle Lady Spikers who was undefeated in seven matches.
Taking the mistakes and experiences in the first round to heart, Diego is seeing a different NU squad these days – the swagger is back and its biting ability more dangerous.
Still, Diego does not intend to slow down, saying the path to staying on top is getting more perilous.
“From the start, in-expect ko na, tinaasan ko na ‘yong expectations ko na this is not going to be easy. Not just for me, but for the team,” said Diego after NU exacted sweet revenge on University of the Philippines, 24-26, 25-17, 21-25, 25-18, 15-8, to jump start their second round campaign as well to improve to 6-2 at the Smart Araneta Coliseum on Wednesday, March 18.
“It has always been one of the first few things I've said to the team when I came in. And this is what I said to myself when I came in,” added Diego, who was an erstwhile NUNS mentor before she was tapped as seniors coach last year.
And Diego was thankful that rookie Sam Cantada was in ‘beast mode’ in their rematch with the Fighting Maroons that she erupted for 32 points – second best in NU history after the 34 of Alyssa Solomon in Game 2 of the Season 85 Finals against the Lady Spikers. 
To some, Cantada’s shots were likened to a precious piece of art – very amazing.
Also rising to the occasion was setter Abe Pono, what with her creative plays much to the delight of Cantada and her growing number of fans.
With Cantada fast emerging as the face of the team and Vange Alinsug, Arah Panique, Chams Maaya, Alexa Mata, Pono, Shaira Jardio, and Lams Lamina continue to provide the needed firepower, it’s not surprising if NU will make it to the finals for the first straight time.

Related Tags

Sam Cantada NU Lady Bulldogs UAAP Season 88
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