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Manila Bulletin devider Sports devider Collegiate devider Top rookie Sam Cantada, NU eye solo second

Top rookie Sam Cantada, NU eye solo second

Published Mar 27, 2026 11:43 am

At A Glance

  • Reigning champion National University tries to take the solo second spot when it goes for a rebound against Ateneo, while Adamson guns for its first win streak in the UAAP Season 88 women's volleyball tournament at the UST Quadricentennial Pavilion in Manila Saturday, March 28.
Sam Cantada leads NU anew against Ateneo. (UAAP Media)
Sam Cantada leads NU anew against Ateneo. (UAAP Media)
Reigning champion National University tries to take the solo second spot when it goes for a rebound against Ateneo, while Adamson guns for its first win streak in the UAAP Season 88 women’s volleyball tournament at the UST Quadricentennial Pavilion in Manila Saturday, March 28.
Motivated to bounce back from their five-set loss to the Far Eastern University Lady Tamaraws last weekend, the well-rested NU Lady Bulldogs are primed to vent their ire against the Lady Eagles, whom they blanked in the first round earlier this month.
The three-peat-seeking NU takes on Ateneo at 3 p.m., while the Shai Nitura-powered Adamson hopes to end its win-loss trend at the expense of the slumping University of the East in their 11 a.m. collision.
Carrying a 6-3 tally and sharing third place with FEU, Sam Cantada, who had a superb triple-double effort of 20 points, 13 excellent digs, and 20 excellent receptions in their previous contest, looks to help the Lady Bulldogs rediscover their winning form.
A win for the Regine Diego-mentored crew would be crucial for its bid for a Final Four edge as the league nears its crucial stretch, especially with its last year’s finals rival in De La Salle (9-0) maintaining its perfect run to stay atop of the standings.
The Lady Bulldogs, in their Bella Belen era, clinched the twice-to-beat advantage from the past four editions (Season 84 to 87) of the tournament.
But if Ateneo was able to pull off a stunner, NU’s current position would be in danger as Adamson (5-4) and host University of Santo Tomas (5-4) are just one game behind.
Cantada, the favorite to bag this season’s Rookie of the Year plum, spearheads the Lady Bulldogs alongside top players in Vange Alinsug, Arah Panique, Chams Maaya, and Alexa Mata with Lams Lamina, Shaira Jardio, and Abegail Pono leading other departments.
Ateneo, which is fresh off a 17-25, 25-27, 16-25 loss to Adamson, is hoping to snap its two-game slide with Zel Tsunashima, Zey Pacia, Alex Montoro, and Jihan Chuatico at the forefront.
Meanwhile, Nitura and Adamson could seize the opportunity of breaking their string of up-and-down outings against a hapless UE side, which is eager to cut its long drought of 23-game losing streak.
The Season 87 ROY winner joins force with Frances Mordi, Lhouiz Tuddao, Princess Dote and Fhei Sagaysay to anchor the Lady Falcons anew, while the Lady Warriors lean on Khy Cepada, Nessa Bangayan, Bea Zamudio, and Angge Reyes.
In men’s games, defending champion NU (7-2) targets its third straight win against Ateneo in their 1 p.m. showdown, while Adamson (2-7) and UE (1-8) duke it out at 9 a.m. for a breakthrough win.

Related Tags

Sam Cantada NU Lady Bulldogs UAAP Season 88 Ateneo Blue Eagles Adamson Lady Falcons Shai Nitura UE Lady Warriors
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