Cantada’s latest challenge is grueling NU schedule
By now, everyone knows Sam Cantada is the real deal.
She has 37 points in two games to lead the UAAP Season 88 women’s volleyball tournament in scoring and, more importantly, has anchored National University’s first two wins—with each game providing its share of tests.
The Lady Bulldogs’ ace hitter will face a different challenge on Saturday, when NU battles Far Eastern U, which will not only come prepared for her but also test her ability to navigate tough schedules.
“For us, it’s really about management,” NU coach Diego said in Filipino as she prepares her wards for their third game in seven days.
“This is not just a challenge for me, but for all the teams in the UAAP. We just prepare and accept that this is the schedule. We can’t change it, so we manage our stress and recovery because recovery is also equivalent to training. We also continue scouting our opponents and just focus on doing our best on Saturday,” Diego added.
Cantada has proven that she can carry NU past its Bella Belen era after leading the defending champions to victories over powerhouse University of Santo Tomas and dangerous program Adamson University, her former school, whose roster includes her teammates during her high school days.
The Lady Tamaraws are already aware of what she will bring to their showdown and are expected to come prepared.
“With the addition of Sam Cantada, they’re really solid,” FEU setter Tin Ubaldo said.
The Lady Bulldogs have been solid so far and their playmaking has been remarkable, with Abe Pono starting off for Diego and graduating setter Lams Lamina serving as the team’s stabilizing closer.
The two teams clash at 3 p.m. at the Mall of Asia Arena, after the 1 p.m. opener featuring Shai Nitura and the Lady Falcons against a struggling University of the East Lady Warriors.
