Super-rookie Sam Cantada drops 32-point triple double as NU beats UP in five-set thriller

The UAAP Season 88 women’s volleyball tournament witnessed a breakout performance on Wednesday, as National University’s 19-year-old sensation, Sam Cantada, announced herself in emphatic fashion. 

Facing the University of the Philippines Fighting Maroons in the second round opener, Cantada delivered a 32-point triple-double, reminding the league why she’s considered a “super rookie.”

Beyond her scoring heroics, Cantada contributed 18 receptions and 13 digs, added three blocks, and recorded two aces, carrying the Lady Bulldogs through a grueling five-set battle that ended 24-26, 25-17, 21-25, 25-18, 15-8. The victory also served as redemption for NU, which had fallen to UP in Round 1.

The performance is now etched in Lady Bulldogs history, marking the highest single-game scoring output since Alyssa Solomon posted 34 points in Game 2 of the Season 85 Finals against the DLSU Lady Spikers. 

Even veteran coach Ramil De Jesus of the Lady Spikers couldn’t help but acknowledge Cantada’s impact, praising the rookie’s maturity and poise under pressure.

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imagine getting a stamp of approval from both the kweens and roy-mvps of uaap mens and womens volleyball, oh sam cantada you will always be famous!!! pic.twitter.com/Z7YDAk4CSr

— Sam Encantada (@goldandbluu) March 18, 2026

A FIGHTER THROUGH AND THROUGH

NU’s Sam Cantada stays grounded and upbeat as she hopes to further propel the Lady Bulldogs forward this second round. #UAAPSeason88 @spinph pic.twitter.com/4m589Vj1WU

— John Mark Garcia (@johnmarkdg_) March 18, 2026

Despite her rising star, Cantada remains grounded, emphasizing that personal milestones matter little without a championship. 

“Siyempre hindi pa naman po tapos, so hindi po ako magsi-stop kasi wala pa naman po eh. Hindi pa kami champion eh. So kailangan pa namin mag-aim pa po and pagtrabahuhan pa po,” she said.

Her performance is even more impressive considering she recovered from an injury sustained during NU’s first encounter with UP, which forced her to sit out a match. 

“Siyempre po, galing din kami sa talo, which is sa La Salle po, so pinanghugutan lang po namin yung game namin sa La Salle. So inall-out lang talaga namin yun,” Cantada added.

Looking ahead, NU hopes to build momentum as they prepare to face the FEU Lady Tamaraws on March 22, 2026, at 3 p.m. at the Smart Araneta Coliseum. 

Cantada believes her team is still in strong contention for the title. “Sa nakikita ko po, kaya namin siya. Kaya namin makuha ulit ‘yung championship,” she said.

With her combination of scoring, defense, and leadership, Cantada isn’t just a rookie making noise, she’s a force that could define NU’s championship push this season.

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