Highly-touted rookie Sam Cantada is set to begin her UAAP seniors journey as she looks to carve out a role for the NU Lady Bulldogs in Season 88.
Another super rookie could be on the way in UAAP Season 88.
After a standout juniors run, Sam Cantada is ready to take her first steps in the UAAP seniors division as she prepares for her first season with the defending champion NU Lady Bulldogs.
The lefty spiker couldn’t hide her excitement about finally moving up in the UAAP ranks.
"Sobrang excited po ako kasi rookie ko po," Cantada told One Sports. "Excited din po ako kung ano yung matutulong ko sa team, lalo na sa mga seniors po na ga-graduate."
No pressure for the rookie
Cantada enters UAAP Season 88 as the UAAP Season 87 Girls’ Volleyball MVP, leading the Adamson Lady Baby Falcons to back-to-back Finals appearances.
Despite her decorated juniors resume, Cantada knows the biggest adjustment will be handling pressure at the seniors level, especially for the NU program that's grown accustomed to winning.
"Siguro ang pinaka-goal ko po is ma-overcome 'yung pressure as a rookie," she said. “Kung paano ko haharapin 'yung expectations."
"Normal po ‘yung pressure kasi defending champion kami. Hindi siya madali, pero kung nadyan kami para sa isa't isa, mas magiging madali po," Cantada added.
[ALSO READ: NU bets on Regine Diego to sustain Lady Bulldogs dynasty for UAAP Season 88]
It will be a big change for the Lady Bulldogs in Season 88, with stars Bella Belen and Alyssa Solomon already in the pros.
Cantada acknowledged the high standard left behind but stressed that replacing that production will be a collective effort.
"May feeling naman po kaming lahat na ganoon [kasi] ang taas po ng standard na iniwan nila," she explained. "Hindi man magawa ng isa, andito kaming lahat para ma-fill 'yung mga positions na iniwan nila ate Bella."
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Kiko Demigillo’s journey in sports storytelling began with a deep passion for games and athletes, which eventually grew into a full-fledged career.
Now a dedicated sportswriter, Kiko covers a wide range of beats for One Sports, including the PVL, UAAP, PBA, and various international tournaments.