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For the first time since her controversial move to National University, Sam Cantada faces her former high school teammates in Adamson University.
Sam Cantada got the last laugh as she faced her former school, Adamson University, for the first time in the UAAP Season 88 Women’s Volleyball Tournament.
Cantada led the way in National U’s 25-23, 25-19, 28-26 sweep over the Lady Falcons on Wednesday, punching in 16 points, nine digs, and five receptions as the Lady Bulldogs cruised to a 2-0 start.
The rookie spiker quickly dismissed any drama following the win, stressing that it was just another game for her and the Lady Falcons, as both parties have already moved on from her departure.
“Actually, wala na pong emotions. Okay naman na po talaga kami. Syempre hindi ko na sinali kasi game is game po. Labas na yung mga ganyan,” Cantada said. “Sabi ko rin naman kanina before the game, minindset ko lang na mag-focus lang talaga and gawin ko lang ‘yung best ko, kasi game is game. Past na po ‘yun and tapos na po ‘yun.”
Cantada played two seasons with Adamson in high school, being part of their title run in Season 86 along with current Lady Falcons Shaina Nitura, Fhei Sagaysay, and Abegail Segui to name a few.
The 18-year-old led Adamson to a silver medal in Season 87, taking home Most Valuable Player before moving to National U in the second semester. Though they have gone their separate ways, Cantada remains proud of her former teammates, having seen their competitive spirit firsthand.
“Syempre po, I’m happy for each and every one, kasi nakikita ko rin naman sa kanila na gusto nilang manalo. Though makakapos, ganon naman po talaga, kahit samin din naman po, pwede rin kami makapos anytime, pero hindi po namin hahayaan mangyari ‘yun. Pagtatrabahuhan din po namin ‘yun,” Cantada said.
Adamson coach JP Yude said as much when asked about the matter, even sharing an embrace with Cantada before exiting the UST Quadricentennial Pavillion. Having mentored her in high school, Yude is confident that Cantada will go a long way as she goes about her rookie year in Jhocson.
“Number one thing is I’m very proud of her, kasi kahit nasa ibang school na siya, nandoon pa rin naman ‘yung relationship. So I’m very proud of her on how she performs, especially against us, and how she handled the pressure na galing dito…kumbaga, she just has to keep moving forward and always be the best talaga sa kailangan niyang gawin sa mga games niya,” he said.
“I expected naman [Cantada’s output] kasi during the offseason naman, and kahit sa high school naman namin, sobrang nag-improve and develop din siya ngayon eh. So syempre, first year…she must always be humble lang sa kung ano man ‘yung marating niya ngayon, and ano man ‘yung mangyayari sa buhay niya. Continue niya lang ‘yun.”
Images courtesy of the UAAP Media Bureau.
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