UAAP: La Salle coach has high praise for NU’s Sam Cantada
NU rookie Sam Cantada looks on during a game against La Salle in UAAP Season 88 women’s volleyball.–MARLO CUETO/INQUIRER.net
MANILA, Philippines — National University rookie Sam Cantada drew praise from La Salle’s 12-time UAAP champion coach Ramil De Jesus in the Lady Spikers’ 25-21, 25-19, 19-25, 25-17 triumph in the UAAP Season 88 women’s volleyball tournament on Sunday at Mall of Asia Arena.
Cantada came off the bench, but it didn’t stop her from having a sensational game in her first rivalry game against La Salle.
The 19-year-old rookie prevented NU from getting swept with her telling blows in the third set to extend the match, but only for the Lady Spikers to assert their dominance in the fourth and complete a first-round sweep.
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La Salle coach Ramil De Jesus praises super rookie Sam Cantada. #UAAPSeason88 @inquirersports pic.twitter.com/9c9tXuxdzX
— Lance Agcaoili (@LanceAgcaoilINQ) March 15, 2026
Cantada had 13 points and 14 excellent receptions for NU, which dropped to a 5-2 record in second place.
De Jesus heaped praise on Cantada, whom she compared to rookie MVPs Angel Canino and Bella Belen during their collegiate debuts and Adamson’s Shaina Nitura.
“The kid is very talented. A modern, all-around player. She can play opposite or outside hitter,” said the multi-titled mentor.
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“You could probably call her a super rookie. On the same level as Angel during her rookie year, and players like Nitura and Belen.”
De Jesus believes NU has a bright future after landing Cantada, a former Adamson High School MVP who transferred to Nazareth School.
“NU is lucky she ended up with them and not with us,” De Jesus said with a laugh.
