By MARK REY MONTEJO
Adamson’s former super rookie Shai Nitura beat emerging star Sam Cantada of National University in scoring department, 18-16.
No problem for Cantada as she was the one who emerged with the brightest and sweetest smile after leading the Lady Bulldogs to a thrilling 25-23, 25-19, 28-26 win over the Lady Falcons for their second straight win in the UAAP Season 88 women’s volleyball at the UST Quadricentennial Pavilion in Manila Wednesday, Feb. 18.
In the battle of two prolific hitters in the collegiate ranks, Cantada, 18, flashed her offensive prowess anew, especially in the third set where she delivered two timely kills to douse the fiery duo of Nitura and Frances Mordi who tried but failed to aid the Lady Falcons to live for another set.
Cantada built her output off 13 attacks, one block, and two aces on top of five excellent digs and nine receptions for NU. Adamson, on the other hand, fell to 0-2.
This marked the first time that Cantada and Nitura clashed since their celebrated high school days at Adamson where both carved names for themselves.
Cantada, however, said the game was not personal for her, adding he was focused on NU duties,
“Wala na pong emotions, oks na po naman kami, hindi na po para isali, game is game po, and hindi na po para isali,” said Cantada.
“Sabi ko naman po before the game, ang mindset ko lang ay mag-focus lang ako at gawin ‘yong best… past na po ‘yon at ngayon po na okay sila do’n and okay naman po ako dito,” she added..
Arah Panique dropped crucial points as well in the third and backed Cantada with 13 points, while Vange Alinsug chipped in six points in her 23rd birthday.
The win also enabled NU to avenge its painful defeat to Adamson in their last match during the second round of Season 87.
Chams Maaya and Alexa Mata added six points apiece, Abe Pono had three points and 14 excellent sets, while Shaira Jardio posted eight excellent digs and 11 excellent receptions.
Nitura also finished with six digs and seven receptions, while Mordi logged 17 points in a losing cause.
In the men’s side, defending titlist NU likewise chalked its second straight win after outlasting the Adamson Falcons, 25-13, 25-18, 25-15.
Alas Pilipinas stars Leo Ordiales, Buds Buddin, and Jade Disquitado sizzled for the six-peat seeking Bulldogs with 16, 15, and 11 points, respectively.
