Many may have been surprised by Sam Cantada's performance down the stretch for NU in its opening victory over UST in UAAP women's volleyball. Not head coach Regine Diego.
National University coach Regine Diego was appreciative of her players, including ace rookie Sam Cantada, as they held off University of Santo Tomas, 25-23, 25-19, 23-25, 26-24, in their opening game in the UAAP Season 88 women's volleyball at the Mall of Asia Arena Sunday, February 15.
Diego, who inherited the two-time defending champion Lady Bulldogs for her first stint in collegiate coaching, leaned on a mix of veteran leadership and Cantada’s fiery offense to subdue the Golden Tigresses in a match that lasted over two hours.
“I am very happy and overwhelmed because we got through a very strong team. But it’s not the end. It’s still going to be a very long journey, so we just have to prepare all the time," said Diego, who steered NU-Nazareth School to the girls' volleyball championship in 2019.
Diego had the luxury of having seasoned Vange Alinsug (18 points) and Arah Panique (15) to complement Cantada (21).
The chief tactician, however, emphasized the importance of humility as the Lady Bulldogs kickstarted their three-peat bid.
Regine Diego logs her first win as head coach of the NU Lady Bulldogs in the UAAP Season 88 women's volleyball. | Photo: RM Chua/One Sports
"We just have to put our feet on the ground,” said Diego.
“Kailangan talaga naming maging humble. We’re trying our best to be a team every game.”
[ALSO READ: UAAP: Adamson rookie Abegail Segui takes pressure in stride]
Sam-one to count on
Cantada, UAAP Season 87 girls' volleyball Most Valuable Player from Adamson, introduced herself to collegiate fans as she showed what she can do in crucial moments.
She fired off three aces in a pivotal 5-0 run that turned the tables on UST in the fourth set, 24-23.
Even as Angge Poyos saved one match point, an errant hit that sailed wide dashed the Golden Tigresses' hopes.
For Diego, Cantada’s high-octane performance was not surprising.
“I know a lot of people will say na tsamba 'yong kay Sam, but I’ve seen it so many times already. So, it’s her, it’s her character. She’s a really good fighter lalo sa crucial games,” said Diego.
“So I didn’t doubt her and I was so sure that she’s going to make it hanggang sa dulo.”
Cantada is expected to deliver anew for NU as it returns to action against Adamson Wednesday, Feb. 18, at the UST Quadricentennial Pavilion.
Meanwhile, UST, which leaned on Poyos’ own 18-point outburst, aims to get on the board against La Salle next Sunday, Feb. 22, at the Mall of Asia Arena in Pasay.
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Luisa Morales is a sportswriter with a special interest in promoting women’s sports.
Her coverage highlights include the UAAP, PVL, Southeast Asian Games, and the FIBA World Cup. She also follows Alex Eala, the Philippine women’s national football team, and mixed martial arts.