Cantada fires 32 in NU rebound win

Alta Sports18 days ago · 373 views

Cantada fires 32 in NU rebound win
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Photo: UAAP

By Nate Castillo

Rookie Sam Cantada unleashed 32 points to lead three-peat-seeking National University to a 24-26, 25-17, 21-25, 25-18, 15-8, revenge win over University of the Philippines to start the University Athletic Association of the Philippines (UAAP) Season 88 women’s volleyball tournament second round on Wednesday at the Smart Araneta Coliseum.

The lefty winger scattered 27 attacks, three kill blocks and a pair of aces, complemented by a superb defensive effort of 18 excellent receptions and 13 digs as the Lady Bulldogs regained their winning ways for a 6-2 win-loss record in solo second spot.

Photo: UAAP

Unable to finish the game in NU’s first round five-set defeat to the Fighting Maroons due to a shin injury, Cantada made sure that she’ll stay for good this time and was instrumental in the decisive 13-3 rally of the Lady Bulldogs in the deciding frame to serve the payback.

The 19-year-old Alas Pilipinas Girls star contributed four points in the closing barrage after an early 2-5 deficit, capped by a through the block kill that pushed the Lady Bulldogs at match point. Abegail Pono sealed the win with a booming ace.

Photo: UAAP

NU, which also rebounded from a sorry four-set loss to De La Salle University in a rematch of last year’s finals to end the first round on Sunday, sent UP reeling to a fourth consecutive defeat for a 3-5 mark.

Arah Panique added 19 points while Chams Maaya had nine markers for the Lady Bulldogs.

Jelai Gajero scored 22 points with 14 digs and six excellent receptions to pace the Fighting Maroons. Kianne Olango had 19 markers and Nina Ytang added 13 points.

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