2026 edition of the Collegiate Press Corps awards on tap

2025 Collegiate Press Corps

EVERY blood, sweat and tear shed during the previous season leads to this moment.

While championships are won on the court, legacy is built off of it – and the 2026 Collegiate Press Corps Awards (CPC) Night presented by Strong Group Athletics will be where Philippine collegiate sports' brightest stars cement theirs.

The awards night, which will put the finest student-athletes and personalities of UAAP Season 88 and NCAA Season 101 in the spotlight, will be held on June 29, 2026 at the Discovery Suites Manila in Ortigas, Pasig City.

The Collegiate Men’s and Women’s Basketball Players of the Year presented by Converge, which was voted and deliberated by the esteemed group of journalists from both national print and online media, will be among the highlights of the awards night.

Aside from this, the men’s and women’s basketball Mythical Five teams will also be revealed.

Presented by SGA anew, the men’s and women’s volleyball players from both the UAAP and the NCAA will likewise be feted in the season-ending event.

And for the second straight year, the Football Players of the Year for both UAAP and NCAA supported by the Philippine Sports Commission (PSC) will be announced.

Of course, it will not only be the players who will be given their honors in the annual collegiate body ceremony supported by Go For Gold, D’Generals and Buffalos’ Wings ‘N Things.

The top UAAP and NCAA coaches of the year for basketball and volleyball brought by the San Miguel Corporation will be given well-deserved recognition as well for steering their respective teams to the top of the collegiate world.

The CPC will also hand a special citation to Ateneo de Manila University center Kacey dela Rosa for her impact not just for the Blue Eagles and the UAAP, but also for Gilas Pilipinas in international 5-on-5 and 3x3 basketball.

“Every year, new stars emerge and legends arrive to lord it over the famed collegiate courts and fields. And this year is no different with the CPC continuing its relentless drive to champion collegiate sports and recognize the student-athletes behind every championship and glory – once more and always,” said CPC president John Bryan Ulanday of The Philippine Star.

Italy leads six-team field as Pasig hosts VNL

A STACKED field of champions and medalists headlines the Philippine leg of the Women’s Volleyball Nations League (VNL) starting on Wednesday at Philsports Arena in Pasig.

World No. 1 and reigning VNL champion Italy banners the cast as the flagship annual international competition of volleyball’s world governing body FIVB returns to the country.

Japan, VNL silver medalist in 2024, enters the Philippine leg—presented by the Philippine Sports Commission—carrying momentum with a 4-0 win-loss record. Italy, three-time champion US and world No. 13 Czechia are at 3-1.

Starring skipper Mayu Ishikawa, Yoshino Sato and Yukiko Wada, Japan scored victories over France, Ukraine, Germany and Canada.

With Ekaterina Antropova, Merit Adigwe and Loveth Omoruyi leading the way, Italy zoomed past Bulgaria, Netherlands and Turkiye before Brazil ended their run.

No. 9 Serbia has managed one win in four matches, while 12th-ranked Dominican Republic is still seeking its first victory of the campaign.

World No. 7 USA battles the Dominican Republic in the 12 p.m. match on Wednesday, before Czechia and Italy  clash at 4 p.m. Japan and Serbia face off at 8 p.m.

Each team plays 12 matches in the group stage, with the top eight advancing to the finals in Macau.

The Philippine leg features Pool 5 in Week 2 of the competition. Other hosts of pool play of the prestigious event are Canada, Brazil, China, Türkiye, Thailand, Serbia, Hong Kong and Japan.

Asia has three representatives in the 18-nation field. World No. 6 China enters Week 2 with a 3-1 record, while No. 24 Thailand remains in search of its first victory after four matches.

Philippine fans get to see the Women’s VNL live for the first time in four years, while men’s matches were last hosted by the country two years ago.

Korea claims AVC Women’s Cup crown

c/o AVC

Korea capped its dominant campaign in the Asian Volleyball Confederation (AVC) Women’s Volleyball Cup with a 25-19, 25-19, 25-22 victory over Chinese Taipei in the gold medal match on Sunday before a roaring full house crowd at Candon City Arena.

Sohwi Kang came up with 14 points, while Hyunsoo Na scored 12 and Yunju Jeong added 11 as world No. 31 Korea completed a morale-boosting run after some heartbreaking results in the Volleyball Nations League (VNL).

It was a much different match from their energy-sapping five-set showdown in pool play earlier in the week, as Korea came out firing on all cylinders to the delight of the packed 8,000-seat Candon Arena.

“I’m really happy we were able to have this very meaningful and valuable result today,” Kang said, noting that team confidence was low during a trying period recently in the FIVB’s top annual competition VNL.

“We were losing many games in the VNL. We felt the value of the victories in the AVC every time we won,” she added.

Kang, who averaged 14 points per match, was named Most Valuable Player of the tournament presented by the Philippine Sports Commission and the City of Candon headed by Mayor Eric D. Singson.

Three-time champion Vietnam salvaged the bronze medal, getting back at Kazakhstan, 25-17, 25-12, 25-19.

Thi Thanh Thuy Tran had 16 points, Thi Bich Thuy Tran scored 15 and Thi Nuh Quynh Vi delivered 13 points as Vietnam exacted revenge on Kazakhstan, which won their pool play showdown in five sets and ended their run of 23 straight victories in the meet.

Kristina Belova had 10 points, while Zhanna Syroyeshkina and Tatyana Yatskiv had eight points each for Kazakhstan, which placed fourth for the second straight time.

Indonesia defeated Australia in the battle for fifth place, 25-13, 25-19, 26-24.

Iran denied host Philippines a solid finish, scoring a 25-21, 25-12, 25-21 victory in the battle for seventh.

NU secures return trip to Finals, ends UST's run

c/o UAAP

Games on Wednesday at the SM Mall of Asia Arena
12 p.m.  – FEU vs NU (Men's Finals)
5 p.m. – DLSU vs NU (Women's Finals)

Second-ranked National University showed championship composure, unleashing an 11-3 finishing run to halt fourth seed University of Santo Tomas’ climb in the stepladder and secure a 20-25, 26-24, 26-24, 25-21 victory, booking its place in the UAAP Season 88 Collegiate Women’s Volleyball Finals on Saturday.

Arah Panique and Vange Alinsug delivered the heavy blows in crunch time of the three sets NU won—all of them comeback wins—before a crowd of 14,334 at the Smart Araneta Coliseum.

The back-to-back champions Lady Bulldogs will now gun for a third straight title against the De La Salle Lady Spikers, who swept the 14-game elimination round. NU, however, swept La Salle in last year’s Finals.

It will be the fourth Finals meeting between NU and La Salle in the last five seasons. Game 1 is set at 5 p.m. on Wednesday at the SM Mall of Asia Arena.

The Lady Bulldogs reached the championship round despite a challenging elimination campaign in the post-Bella Belen and Alyssa Solomon era.

“We are just happy that we’re here, we did our best for today’s game, and we’re just going to prepare for the next one. It’s still the same for everyone. We prepare, we do our best, and hopefully we get the championship,” said NU head coach Regine Diego, who will face her former mentor Ramil de Jesus for the first time.

De Jesus has guided the Lady Spikers to 12 championships and will be making his 22nd Finals appearance for the Taft-based squad.

UST looked poised to extend the match to a fifth set after building an 18-14 lead in the fourth frame behind the efforts of Xyza Gula, Regina Jurado, and Jonna Perdido. However, NU refused to be denied, closing the door with a decisive surge.

Alinsug spearheaded the rally, scoring six points in NU’s 11-3 finishing run, with support from Chams Maaya, Camilla Lamina, and Alexa Mata. The Lady Bulldogs wrapped up the win in two hours and 25 minutes, securing their fifth straight Finals appearance.

Presumptive Rookie of the Year Sam Cantada, who tweaked her left ankle midway through the second set, returned in the fourth and provided steady service during NU’s late push.

“Very happy kasi lahat kami pinagtrabahuhan talaga itong game na ito. Very crucial do-or-die game, very happy ako sa performance ng team at sana tuloy-tuloy siya hanggang championship,” said Lamina, who orchestrated the offense with 34 excellent sets, while adding three points and six digs.

Panique, who anchored NU’s comebacks from 20-17 deficits in both the second and third sets, led all scorers with 23 points on 21 attacks and two blocks.

Last season’s co-Finals MVP Alinsug finished with 18 points, 10 of which came in the final set, alongside 16 receptions and seven digs.

Middle blockers Maaya and Mata also stepped up with 14 and 10 points, respectively, combining for nine of NU’s 12 blocks.

Shaira Jardio, co-Finals MVP last season, delivered 25-of-30 excellent receptions and 24-of-46 excellent digs in the victory.

On the other side, the Golden Tigresses, who survived two do-or-die matches to reach the stepladder finale, settled for third place for the second straight season.

It also marked the end of Detdet Pepito’s 11-year UAAP career with UST, capping a decorated run that includes six Best Libero awards (four in high school, two in college).

In her final UAAP match, Pepito tallied 23-of-47 excellent digs and 8-of-11 excellent receptions.

Jurado led UST with 19 points, including two blocks, along with 12 digs, while Poyos added 16 points, 13 receptions, and 10 digs despite limited action in the fourth set.

Perdido contributed 15 points, 21 receptions, and nine digs, while Cassie Carballo dished out 35 excellent sets to go with five points and eight digs.

NU outlasts UST, secures semifinal berth

c/o UAAP

UAAP Season 88 Women’s Volleyball Standings

**DLSU 14-0

*NU 10-4

*AdU 9-5

^UST 8-6

^FEU 8-6

UP 5-9

Ateneo 2-12

UE 0-14

**Finals

*Stepladder

^Playoff

Games on Saturday at the SMART-Araneta Coliseum

1 p.m. - NU vs UST (Men's Playoff for Second Seed)

3 p.m. - UST vs FEU (Women's Stepladder Stage 1)

National University secured the second seed and an outright berth in the UAAP Season 88 Collegiate Women’s Volleyball stepladder semifinals after a stirring reverse sweep over University of Santo Tomas, 19-25, 23-25, 25-18, 25-18, 15-13, on Wednesday at the Smart Araneta Coliseum.

The Lady Bulldogs finished the elimination round with a 10-4 record, clinching solo second place and avoiding complications for the first phase of the semifinals.

De La Salle University is already waiting in the Finals after a perfect 14-0 elimination round, while Adamson University holds the third seed.

“I’m very proud of them because even though we were coming from a loss and we were fatigued already from that, we pushed through this game and locked in the second rank. Very happy. Hopefully dire-diretso na po ito hanggang dulo po,” said NU head coach Regine Diego.

Meanwhile, the Golden Tigresses dropped to 8-6, now tied with the Far Eastern University Lady Tamaraws for the fourth and final semifinal spot.

It was a day of reverse sweeps, as FEU earlier pulled off a 22-25, 23-25, 25-12, 25-21, 15-10 win over Ateneo to stay in the Final Four race.

UST and FEU will dispute the No. 4 spot on Saturday at the Big Dome.

Just when UST was on the verge of sealing a semifinals berth after taking the first two sets, NU regrouped and took the next two frames with identical 25-18 scores.

In the decider, NU led 11-7 before Avril Bron and Angge Poyos sparked a four-point run to tie the game at 11-all.

Both teams traded points over the next four exchanges to move the score to 13-all, before a crucial drop ball by Poyos narrowly went out, giving the Lady Bulldogs match point.

Captain Vange Alinsug then delivered the finishing blow, scoring through the UST blockers to seal the NU win after two hours and 23 minutes.

“Gusto lang po naming makabawi sa pagkatalo namin last game kasi ’yun ‘yung pinanghuhugutan talaga namin, ‘yung game na ’yun. Masaya lang din po kami kasi makikita naman po ‘yung team effort namin and teamwork po,” said Arah Panique, who vowed to bounce back after her net fault in the previous game against La Salle that cost NU the outright berth in the Final Four.

Panique made up for it with 24 points on 21 attacks, two blocks, and one ace, along with six digs. Sam Cantada also stepped up with 20 points on 15 spikes, three blocks, and two aces, plus 17 receptions and nine digs.

Alinsug contributed 13 points, 10 digs, and six receptions, while Chams Maaya, who was key in the fourth set, added nine points on four attacks, three aces, and two blocks.

Shaira Jardio anchored the defense with 33-of-46 excellent receptions and 16-of-33 digs, while Camilla Lamina orchestrated the offense with 24 excellent sets and five points.

For UST, Poyos led the way with 24 points, 15 receptions, and nine digs, while Regina Jurado added 21 points and 16 digs.

Cassie Carballo tallied 25 excellent sets, eight digs, and four points, while Detdet Pepito impressed with 20-of-22 excellent receptions and 16-of-32 digs.

Five-set drama keeps FEU postseason hopes alive in UAAP Women's Volleyball

c/o UAAP

Far Eastern University woke up just in time to outlast also-ran Ateneo de Manila University, 22-25, 23-25, 25-12, 25-21, 15-10, and keep its Final Four hopes alive in the UAAP Season 88 Collegiate Women’s Volleyball Tournament on Wednesday at the Smart Araneta Coliseum.

The Lady Tamaraws finished the elimination round with an 8-6 record and are now the biggest supporters of the NU Lady Bulldogs against the UST Golden Tigresses in their ongoing match as of publishing time.

An NU win would drop UST to an 8-6 record as well, tying it with FEU and forcing a playoff for the last Final Four ticket on Saturday at the Big Dome. A Golden Tigresses victory, however, will officially eliminate the Lady Tamaraws from contention.

“‘Yung first set hindi nag work ‘yung game plan namin… but ayun nga lesson namin ‘yung first two sets. Kailangang may mag-step up, kailangang may mag-embrace ng responsibility na iiwan ng mga seniors,” said FEU head coach Tina Salak.

FEU has now won its last eight meetings against Ateneo since Season 85 (2023), but the streak was threatened after KC Cortez steered the Katipunan-based side to a two-set lead.

The Lady Tamaraws regrouped and played with renewed purpose and determination, rallying to tie the match and force a fifth set.

In the decider, Ateneo handed the victory to FEU after committing three costly errors, while Melody Pons and Clarisse Loresco scored a point each to turn a slim 10-9 lead into a 15-10 win after two hours and 21 minutes.

“0-0 lang ang mindset kasi hindi pa po tapos ang laban (after the second set). Kailangan lang po naming bumalik, pusuan pa po ng mas angat pa,” said captain Gerzel Petallo, who delivered 17 points, 16 digs, and 11 receptions.

Lovely Lopez added 13 points and 26 receptions for FEU, while Kyle Pendon also produced 13 points on five attacks, six blocks, and two aces off the bench.

Loresco chipped in 10 points as well, while libero Marga Encarnacion capped her stellar elimination round with 15 digs and 12 receptions. Despite playing hurt, Tin Ubaldo still delivered 22 excellent sets and had two blocks.

On the Ateneo side, Dona De Leon continued to show the program’s bright future with 15 points on 11 attacks and four blocks, while JLo Delos Santos added 12 points, 11 digs, and seven receptions.

Rookie Ana Hermosura also contributed 10 points, along with 12 receptions and nine digs.

Setter Taks Fujimoto has exhausted her eligibility for the Blue Eagles, while head coach Sergio Veloso has also confirmed he will not return next season.

Ateneo finished in seventh place with a 2-12 record, its worst finish in the Final Four era.

Menta to sit out UP WVT season finale

 

Fabio Menta with Nina Ytang (c/o UP OASD)

NCAA women's volleyball champion consultant Aleksi Lahteenmaki will yet again serve as acting coach for the University of the Philippines women's volleyball team (WVT) in its match against University of Santo Tomas on Sunday to end UAAP Season 88.

Lahteenmaki, a Finnish player-turned-coach only 22 years old, will temporarily step into the post in lieu of Fabio Menta, who has asked permission to take care of his well-being for the meantime.

The UP Office for Athletics and Sports Development as well as main backer Strong Group Athletics have allowed Menta to tend to his health, but also made it clear he remains WVT head coach and may return whenever he sees fit.

For now, State U tries to close its campaign on a high note under the guidance of Lahteenmaki, who had just helped the Lady Knights to their first championship in 27 years.

"We hope coach Fabio feels better sooner than later, so for our last game this season, let's just all support coach Aleksi and the rest of our girls in trying to get us a season-ending win," said UP OASD Director Bo Perasol.

Lahteenmaki has been under Menta's tutelage since the former chose to begin his coaching career following the end of his tour of duty for Finland's under-18 national team. He is instrumental part of the championship run of Colegio de San Juan de Letran in the just-concluded NCAA Season 101 Volleyball tournament, assisting Mayeth Carolino.

Now, he will try to give Nina Ytang, Irah Jaboneta, and Joan Monares a fitting farewell to their collegiate careers.

Lady Spikers at cusp of completing elims sweep

c/o UAAP

Games on Saturday at the UST Quadricentennial Pavilion
9 a.m. - Ateneo vs UE (Men’s)
11 a.m. - Ateneo vs UE (Women’s)
3 p.m. - AdU vs FEU (Men’s)
5 p.m. - AdU vs FEU (Women’s)

De La Salle University moved on the cusp of the UAAP Season 88 Collegiate Women’s Volleyball Finals after overpowering also-ran University of the East, 25-20, 25-18, 25-15, on Wednesday afternoon at the UST Quadricentennial Pavilion in Manila.

The Lady Spikers stayed unbeaten at 13-0 and inched closer to their first elimination-round sweep since Season 76 (2014)—an achievement that would secure an outright Finals berth and trigger a stepladder format.

La Salle will aim to complete the sweep against modern-day rival and defending champion National University this Sunday, April 19, at the SM Mall of Asia Arena in Pasay. The Lady Spikers won their first-round encounter against the Lady Bulldogs, 25-21, 25-19, 19-25, 25-17, last March 15 at the same Pasay venue.

La Salle was also able to insert substitutes Mikee Santos, Ella de Guzman, and Mikole Reyes, who all responded well in the straight-set victory.

“Siguro, hindi naman mawawala yung pressure pagdating sa amin. Siyempre, nandoon yung pressure na kailangang manalo, pero lagi namang pinapaalala ni coach na score at number lang ’yan. Kailangan mag-focus pa rin sa kung ano yung nasa harapan mo, which is yung NU ngayon, at one game at a time lang. Sana, hopefully, maganda pa rin yung mapakita namin na game against NU,” La Salle assistant coach Gian de Jesus said.

In the third set, the Lady Spikers turned a 4-4 deadlock into a comfortable 15-9 advantage, capped by three consecutive attacks from second-year outside hitter Shane Reterta.

From there, La Salle stayed firmly in control, with Angel Canino’s attack, a Kristine Iquio attack error, a Mikee Santos crosscourt hit, and a down-the-line conversion from De Guzman sealing the match in just 78 minutes.

In a tightly contested second frame, the Lady Spikers pulled ahead for a two-set advantage behind consecutive Lilay del Castillo blocks, a Canino backrow hit, and a quick attack by Amie Provido.

“That’s what the coaches are instilling in us—one game at a time. We don’t worry about this streak that we have and the 13-0; we worry about how we perform, and if we perform, of what we had done in training. Being disciplined in staying true to the system the coaches have taught us,” Laput said, who finished with 12 points on 10-of-20 kills, one block, and one ace alongside four excellent digs.

Canino also finished with 12 points on top of 10 excellent digs and seven excellent receptions. Del Castillo had nine points on five blocks and four attacks, while Provido supplied eight points on six attacks and two blocks.

Reterta posted an all-around stat line of five points, seven excellent digs, and seven excellent receptions, while Santos also added five points.

Meanwhile, the Lady Warriors remained winless through 13 games, extending their losing streak to 27 consecutive matches and moving on the brink of a second straight winless campaign in UAAP women’s volleyball.

Khy Cepada led UE in the loss with 13 points on 10 attacks, two aces, and one block, along with 10 excellent receptions and four excellent digs, while Bangayan added 10 points on eight attacks and two aces with six excellent digs.

Angge Reyes contributed 10 excellent digs and eight excellent receptions.

The Lady Warriors will look to break through against the Ateneo de Manila University Blue Eagles this Saturday, April 18, at the same UST venue.

La Salle fends off FEU to earn twice-to-beat advantage

c/o UAAP

UAAP Season 88 Women’s Volleyball Standings
**DLSU 11-0
NU 8-3
UST 7-4
FEU 6-5
AdU 6-5
UP 5-6
Ateneo 1-10
UE 0-11
**Twice-to-beat

Games on Saturday at the Filoil Centre

9 a.m. - Ateneo vs DLSU (Men’s)
11 a.m. - Ateneo vs DLSU (Women’s)
3 p.m. - UST vs AdU (Men’s)
5 p.m. - UST vs AdU (Women’s)

De La Salle University averted disaster against Far Eastern University, eking out a 25-17, 25-22, 23-25, 19-25, 15-10 victory to stay perfect and secure a twice-to-beat incentive in the UAAP Season 88 Collegiate Women’s Volleyball Final Four on Wednesday at the SM Mall of Asia Arena.

Now sporting an 11-0 record, the Lady Spikers still have bigger dreams as an elimination round sweep would give them an outright Finals berth.

“Unang-una, nung fifth set, sinabihan lang sila ni Coach Ramil na balik, kalimutan yung nangyari sa third set at fourth set, balik kung ano yung inumpisahan namin. Sumunod lang sila sa kung ano yung gustong mangyari ni coach, kaya ayun, nakuha yung fifth set,” said La Salle deputy coach Noel Orcullo.

But for the Lady Spikers to remain undefeated, they needed grit and poise as the Lady Tamaraws staged a furious comeback.

La Salle was two points away from sweeping the match at 23-20 when FEU rallied with five unanswered points, fueled by three errors, a block by Tin Ubaldo, and an ace to stay alive.

The Lady Tamaraws carried that momentum into the fourth set, building a lead as high as 23-13 to force a decider.

In the fifth set, the Lady Spikers found a second wind as seniors Angel Canino, Amie Provido, and Shevana Laput led their team to the win after two hours and 27 minutes of play.

With FEU closing in after back-to-back points at 9-11, Provido, Laput, Canino, and sophomore Shane Reterta combined for a 4-1 finishing run to keep La Salle’s record intact.

“Itong match na ‘to, sobrang grateful kami kasi napanalo namin, pero I think, kailangan din talaga tingnan namin kung ano ang nangyari sa game na ‘to. Hindi lang yung result kasi madami kaming mga lapses talaga as a team na pwede namang maiwasan, so, more on balik kami doon sa basic,” said Canino, who finished with 24 points, 14 digs, and 10 receptions.

Laput added 25 points and seven digs, while Provido came up huge with 17 points on 10 attacks, six blocks, and an ace.

Rookie playmaker Eshana Nunag continued to impress with 32 excellent sets as the Lady Spikers dominated in attacks and blocks, 58-50 and 17-11, respectively, while the Lady Tamaraws controlled the service department, 9-3.

La Salle will next face Ateneo de Manila University on Saturday at the Filoil Centre before closing the second round against University of the East on the 15th and defending champion National University on the 19th.

Meanwhile, the Lady Tamaraws absorbed their second straight defeat, dropping to 6-5 and tying with the Adamson Lady Falcons for fourth place.

Lovely Lopez led FEU with 16 points and 24 excellent receptions, while Gerzel Petallo returned after missing three games due to a right shoulder injury and contributed 14 points, 18 receptions, and nine digs.

FEU will look to regain its winning form on Sunday against University of the Philippines at the UST Quadricentennial Pavilion.

NCAA set to hold Volleyball finals at Rizal Memorial

A fierce championship showdown takes center stage once more as the Benilde Lady Blazers and the Letran Lady Knights face off in Game 1 of the National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA) Season 101 Volleyball Tournament Finals this Sunday,  April 5, at 12 p.m., straight from the Rizal Memorial Coliseum.

Fans can catch the thrilling action live on GTV and Heart of Asia, with a simulcast available on the official social media pages of GMA Sports and NCAA Philippines.

The defending champions and five-peat seeking CSB Lady Blazers locked in their Finals spot earlier on March 25, sweeping the Perpetual Lady Altas, 25–18, 26–24, 25–21, in their semifinal series. Anchoring the dominant run were ace volleybelles Zam Nolasco, Chenae Basarte, and Cam Bartolome.

The Letran Lady Knights, on the other hand, return to the Finals after overpowering the San Beda Red Lady Spikers in a four-set semifinals victory (25–18, 25–19, 23–25, 25–21) last March 28. Leading the charge were top players Judiel Nitura, Vanessa Sarie, and Lara Mae Silva. 

The best-of-three Finals series schedule is as follows: April 5 (Game 1), 12 p.m. on GTV and HOA; April 8 (Game 2), 2:30 p.m. on GTV and HOA; and April 10 (Game 3, if necessary), 3 p.m. on HOA. 

Meanwhile, the NCAA Season 101 Men’s Volleyball Tournament continues to heat up as the Mapúa Cardinals and The Benilde Blazing Spikers battle for the championship in their own best-of-three series. Don’t miss the action on April 5 (Game 1), 3 p.m. on HOA; April 8 (Game 2), 11 a.m. on HOA; and April 10 (Game 3, if necessary), 12 p.m. on HOA. 

Catch the livestream on the NCAA Philippines website (www.gmanetwork.com/ncaa), NCAA Philippines Facebook page and YouTube channel, and GMA Sports' social media accounts. Global Pinoys can catch all the action via the international channel GMA News TV. 

For more updates on NCAA, visit its official website www.ncaa.com.ph.

NU rides on 32-point Cantada outburst to outlast UP

c/o UAAP

UAAP Season 88 Women’s Volleyball Standings
DLSU 7-0
NU 6-2
FEU 5-3
AdU 4-3
UST 4-3
UP 3-5
Ateneo 1-6
UE 0-8

Games on Saturday at the SMART-Araneta Coliseum

9 a.m. – UST vs Ateneo (Men)
11 a.m. – La Salle vs AdU (Men)
1 p.m. – UST vs Ateneo (Women)
3 p.m. – La Salle vs AdU (Women)

Rookie Sam Cantada fired a career-best 32 points, leading National University to a vengeful 24-26, 25-17, 21-25, 25-18, 15-8 victory over first-round tormentor University of the Philippines in the UAAP Season 88 Collegiate Women’s Volleyball Tournament at the Smart Araneta Coliseum on Wednesday.

The Fighting Maroons had previously stunned the Lady Bulldogs on February 28 at the UST Quadricentennial Pavilion, 25-16, 25-16, 22-25, 29-31, 16-18, a match where Cantada suffered a right shin injury in the third set.

This time, Cantada starred for NU, scoring a season-high 32 points on 27-of-52 spikes, three blocks, and two aces, while also contributing 18 excellent receptions and 13 digs.

“Of course, we’re happy, we count all the wins, and this is a good comeback for us. Hopefully, tuloy-tuloy siya,” said NU head coach Regine Diego.

“It’s a challenging time for all the teams, kasi mas mataas na ‘yung pressure, mas kailangan ng manalo, ang daming factors we are trying to manage, but the only thing that pushes us is if we play together," added the former Lady Bullpups head coach.

Cantada and Arah Panique combined in the fourth set to force a decisive fifth set.

In the decider, Lady Bulldogs setter Abe Pono led the charge with four points—two aces, a block, and a spike—while Cantada added four points herself. NU overcame a 2-5 deficit with a massive 13-3 run to seal the win in two hours and 10 minutes.

“For me po, collective effort naman po ‘yung nangyari. Hindi lang po ako ‘yun, kinicredit ko rin po sa mga teammates ko po ‘yun kaya ko po nakuha ‘yung points na ‘yun,” said Cantada, whose 32 points were the most by any NU player since Alyssa Solomon scored 34 in a 25-19, 25-23, 15-25, 17-25, 10-15 loss to La Salle in Game 2 of the Season 85 Finals on May 14, 2023.

The Lady Bulldogs bounced back from a loss to the Lady Spikers last Sunday, improving to 6-2 to retain solo second place.

Panique supported Cantada with 19 points on 15 attacks and four blocks, while Chams Maaya added nine points.

Pono finished with 21 excellent sets, five points, and seven digs, while Shaira Jardio contributed 17 excellent receptions and 17 excellent digs.

On the other hand, UP suffered its fourth straight loss, dropping to 3-5 and sixth place.

The Fighting Maroons’ last win was against the Lady Bulldogs in the first round. Jelai Gajero played her best collegiate game, scoring 22 points on 19 spikes, two blocks, and an ace, along with 14 digs.

Kianne Olango added 20 points, 13 excellent receptions, and nine digs, while Bienne Bansil and Niña Ytang each contributed 13 points.

Both teams return to action on Sunday at the Big Dome. NU will face Far Eastern University, while UP takes on winless University of the East.

FEU dispatches UE earn solo third to kickstart UAAP second round action

c/o UAAP

Games on Saturday at the SMART-Araneta Coliseum
9 a.m. – UST vs Ateneo (Men)
11 a.m. – La Salle vs AdU (Men)
1 p.m. – UST vs Ateneo (Women)
3 p.m. – La Salle vs AdU (Women)

Far Eastern University made quick work of University of the East, 25-11, 25-15, 25-22, to open the second round of the UAAP Season 88 Collegiate Women’s Volleyball Tournament on a resounding note on Wednesday at the Smart Araneta Coliseum.

The Lady Tamaraws improved to solo third at 5-3, moving ahead of idle Adamson University and University of Santo Tomas, who are both at 4-3.

It was a confidence-building win for FEU, which now sets its sights on Sunday’s rematch against National University at the Big Dome, where it hopes to avenge its season-opening five-set loss.

“Against UE, siyempre, kailangan naming mag-ready in a manner na wala nga si Gerz (Petallo), nagkaroon kami ng few adjustments. Malaking factor din na na-run namin nang maayos hindi rin kasi biro ‘yung UE kalaban,” said FEU head coach Tina Salak.

After cruising through the first two sets, the Lady Tamaraws faced stiffer resistance from the Lady Warriors in the third.

Behind Khy Cepada, Kiesha Famulagan, and Eljane Nogueras, UE kept pace and forced a 21-all deadlock before Faida Bakanke took over to close out the match in just 76 minutes.

The Congolese opposite spiker unleashed a personal 4-1 finishing run, highlighted by back-to-back crosscourt kills, to seal FEU’s straight-sets victory.

“Sabi nga ni coach, hindi madali ‘yung adjustments, so huwag naming gawing joke ‘yung binibigay sa amin na role. In-embrace ko lang ‘yung ibinigay sa akin ni Coach T and sana po na-execute naman po nang maayos,” said Melody Pons, the younger sister of Bernadeth. She stepped up with nine points, nine digs, and five receptions. The elder Pons led FEU to its most recent Finals appearance in Season 80 (2018).

Bakanke finished with 14 points on 12 attacks and two blocks, along with five digs, while Jazlyn Ellarina added 11 points built on eight spikes and three blocks.

Lovely Lopez, who was inserted into the starting six, contributed seven points, eight digs, and eight receptions, as the Lady Tamaraws dominated both the attacking and blocking departments, 40-28 and 13-3, respectively.

FEU played without open spiker and No. 5 in the MVP race Gerz Petallo, who sustained a right shoulder injury last Saturday. Salak is hopeful Petallo will be fit in time for Sunday’s clash against the Lady Bulldogs.

Cepada was a one-woman force for UE with 15 points, 10 digs, and seven receptions, but the Lady Warriors remained winless through eight games.

Famulagan added six points.

UE will also be back in action on Sunday, taking on the University of the Philippines.

Casiey Dongallo out for remainder of UAAP Season 88

c/o UAAP

The University of the Philippines announced on Saturday that Casiey Dongallo will be sidelined for the remainder of the UAAP Season 88, as it was confirmed that she incurred ACL and meniscus tears on her left knee.

Dongallo suffered the injury during the first set of the Fighting Maroons' match against Far Eastern University last week, incurring it on a bad landing following her fourth point and necessitating assistance off the court and into the team dugout.

She had been on a recent roll before this interruption, managing a twenty-point performance against defending champions National University. 

It is expected that she will be ready in time for next season, which would turn out to be her final year after her transfer from the University of the East.

Head coach Fabio Menta says that the Cebuana's state of mind remains okay in spite of this development. He shares, "She's in a great mood. I'm surprised she never felt the desperation. She came to the (next) game, she comes to our training, still smiling."

Menta also says, "Now, we want to be optimistic. By late December or January next year, she'll be training again. Hopefully."

With Dongallo now sidelined, UP will regroup behind fellow UE transfer Jelai Gajero, as well as through the leadership of Joan Monares and Irah Jaboneta.

Menta notes that the team needs to move forward, adds, "Casiey's a big loss, but the girls understand they need to do more now to compensate," he said. "The girls are ok. They're working and hopefully, we find the right adjustments. We are preparing hard to do our best."

UP is scheduled to conclude their first round campaign against Adamson on Sunday at the SM Mall of Asia Arena, as they seek to boost their record back up above .500 in their effort to end a decade-long postseason drought.

La Salle survives Adamson test, at cusp of first round sweep

c/o UAAP

Games on Saturday at the SM Mall of Asia Arena
9 a.m. - Ateneo vs UE (Men’s)
11 a.m. - FEU vs UST (Men’s)
1 p.m. - Ateneo vs UE (Women’s)
3 p.m. - FEU vs UST (Women’s)

De La Salle University unleashed an eight-point finishing run to fend off Adamson University, 19-25, 25-20, 25-21, 13-25, 15-5, and move a win away from sweeping the first round of the UAAP Season 88 Collegiate Women’s Volleyball Tournament on Wednesday at the SM Mall of Asia Arena.

Locked in a tight battle in the deciding set and ahead by just two points, 7-5, the Lady Spikers showed their resolve as Shane Reterta, Amie Provido, and Shevana Laput combined for eight unanswered points to keep the Lady Falcons at bay and seal the win in two hours and 16 minutes.

Reterta scored four points in that decisive run, while Provido added three — including two emphatic blocks on Lady Falcons leading scorer Frances Mordi.

It was De La Salle’s first five-set victory of the season, a character-defining performance heading into Sunday’s Finals rematch against defending two-time champion National University.

“Nung natalo kami sa fourth set, sinabihan lang namin ‘yung mga bata na character ito. Dito na mailalabas kung ano ‘yung pinaghirapan niyo; dito niyo masusubok kung ano ‘yung meron kayo,” said La Salle assistant coach Noel Orcullo. “Nakita naman namin na gusto nilang lumaban, na gusto nilang manalo. Talagang ginusto nila.”

The Lady Falcons forced a deciding fifth set after dominating the fourth, 25-13, behind the efforts of Mordi and Shaina Nitura.

“We came to the game, our bodies were there, but our minds weren’t present. It took us until the fifth set to really gising, to wake up and realize that we came here for a purpose. We didn’t win two sets just to lose the fifth set. We didn’t come all the way to lose,” said Laput, who fired a career-best 26 points built on 19 attacks, six blocks, and one ace.

Season 85 MVP Angel Canino delivered an all-around performance with 19 points, 12 digs, and 11 receptions, while Reterta also impressed with 10 points, 12 receptions, and 11 digs.

Provido finished with nine points, while rookie playmaker Shan Nunag orchestrated the offense with 23 excellent sets.

Libero Lyka De Leon anchored the floor defense with 18 excellent digs and 14 excellent receptions.

Meanwhile, Adamson dropped to an even 3-3 record for a momentary solo fifth place. The University of the Philippines (3-2) and the University of Santo Tomas (2-3) were playing each other as of publishing time.

Mordi paced the Lady Falcons with 22 points and nine receptions, while Season 87 Rookie of the Year Nitura tallied 21 points along with 17 excellent receptions and 10 excellent digs.

Thirdy Tuddao also chipped in 11 points on seven attacks, three blocks, and an ace, while rookie Joy Aseo added eight points and 13 digs.

Adamson will try to end the first round on a high note on Sunday when it faces the University of the Philippines.

Lady Falcons earn share of fourth in UAAP Women's Volleyball

c/o UAAP

UAAP Season 88 Women’s Volleyball Standings
DLSU 5-0
NU 4-1
UP 3-1
FEU 3-2
AdU 3-2
UST 2-3
Ateneo 0-5
UE 0-6

Games Sunday at the SMART-Araneta Coliseum
9 a.m. - NU vs Ateneo (Men)
11 a.m. - UP vs FEU (Men)
1 p.m. - NU vs Ateneo (Women)
3 p.m. - UP vs FEU (Women)

Shaina Nitura and Frances Mordi led Adamson University as the Lady Falcons stunned the University of Santo Tomas Golden Tigresses, 27-25, 25-22, 25-12, to claim a share of fourth place in the UAAP Season 88 Collegiate Women’s Volleyball Tournament at the Smart Araneta Coliseum on Saturday.

With the win, Adamson tied the Far Eastern University Lady Tamaraws for fourth at 3-2, while the Golden Tigresses fell to 2-3.

“Lahat naman sila ay nagcontribute and sabi ko lang, follow the instruction so that hindi kami magkakaiba ng sistema,” said Adamson head coach JP Yude.

“Ang instruction ko lang sa kanila nung nakuha namin yung dalawang set is to be more locked in," the former Soaring Falcon added.

After grinding out the first two sets to take a 2-0 lead, the Lady Falcons didn’t need any dramatic comebacks in the third set.

Adamson dominated from the start, as Nitura, Mordi, Joy Aseo, Fhei Sagaysay, and Lhouiz Tuddao combined to build a commanding 20-6 lead, cruising to a one-hour, 21-minute victory.

In the second set, Adamson had to battle down the stretch with the score tied at 22.

Nitura sparked the finishing sequence with an off-the-block kill, Tuddao followed with another for the set point, and Nitura sealed it by blocking Xyza Gula at the net for a 2-0 lead.

“We never expect anything sa game but to try to win and play to win. This is the result of what we did and thank you Lord, we’ve been working for this. Talagang tinatiyaga namin every training,” said Nitura, who finished with 22 points on 19 spikes and three blocks, along with six excellent receptions.

Mordi added 20 points on 18-of-30 attacks, plus a block, an ace, and 10 excellent receptions.

Aseo, making her first start of the season, impressed with six points—including three service aces—matching Tuddao’s output.

Sagaysay contributed 12 excellent sets and five of the Lady Falcons’ 10 aces, a huge edge over UST’s two.

Both teams return to action Wednesday at the SM Mall of Asia Arena: Adamson faces undefeated De La Salle University at 1 p.m., while UST meets University of the Philippines at 3 p.m.

Regina Jurado led UST with 18 points on an efficient 17-of-28 attack, while Avril Bron added 10.

Angge Poyos, who had scored double digits in the first four games, was limited to just five points on 5-of-24 spikes.

La Salle extends winning streak to five in Laput's return

c/o UAAP

Games today at the SMART-Araneta Coliseum
9 a.m. - NU vs Ateneo (Men)
11 a.m. - UP vs FEU (Men)
1 p.m. - NU vs Ateneo (Women)
3 p.m. - UP vs FEU (Women)

Returning captain Shevana Laput wasted no time making her presence felt as De La Salle University extended its perfect start in the UAAP Season 88 Collegiate Women’s Volleyball Tournament with a commanding 25-15, 25-20, 25-19 victory over University of the East on Saturday at the Smart Araneta Coliseum.

Back in action after missing the past two matches due to illness, Laput provided stability as the Lady Spikers stretched their unbeaten run to five games, improving to a pristine 5-0 record while collecting their fourth sweep of the tournament.

La Salle’s only non-straight-sets win so far came in a four-set triumph against Ateneo de Manila University.

“Pinaalalahanan lang ang team na respeto lang sa kalaban, kaya medyo hindi naging maganda ‘yung outcome, although nanalo. Unang-una, ang dami naming errors, especially services. Kailangan pang magtrabaho,” said La Salle assistant coach Noel Orcullo after the Lady Spikers committed 20 errors, including nine in the second set.

Despite the eventual sweep, UE managed to stay competitive early in the third frame, knotting the score at 14-all.

However, La Salle responded with a decisive 7-2 run sparked by Angel Canino, Ella De Guzman, and Laput to put the match out of reach and seal the victory in one hour and 21 minutes.

“I am so proud of you, Angel. You’re not a co-captain for no reason. We’re doing this together. And of course, I am very proud of the whole team. Honestly, I don’t think they were looking for me. I am just so happy that they rose to the occasion and the opportunity they were given because that adds to their confidence,” said Laput, who finished with nine points and four digs in her return.

For the third straight match, Canino led La Salle in scoring with 12 points built on 10-of-15 attacking and two blocks, while also contributing eight digs and six receptions.

Fresh off a career-high 18-point performance against Ateneo, Lilay Del Castillo continued her strong form with 10 points on 8-of-13 spikes and two blocks, while Laput chipped in nine markers.

Amie Provido added eight points, while rookie setter Shan Nunag orchestrated the offense with 21 excellent sets to go along with four points of her own.

La Salle will next face Adamson University on Wednesday before a highly anticipated Finals rematch with National University next weekend.

Meanwhile, UE remained winless at 0-6 and will close out the first round against Ateneo next Saturday at the SM Mall of Asia Arena.

Khy Cepada paced the Lady Warriors with 14 points and eight excellent receptions, while Bea Zamudio chipped in nine points and 12 receptions. Libero Angge Reyes tallied 14 digs and seven receptions.

UE captain Van Bangayan was limited to three points.

NU reasserts itself with a UE sweep

c/o  UAAP

Games on Saturday at the SMART-Araneta Coliseum
9 a.m. - UE vs DLSU (Men’s)
11 a.m. - AdU vs UST (Men’s)
1 p.m. - UE vs DLSU (Women’s)
3 p.m. - AdU vs UST (Women’s)

National University came alive after a sluggish start to sweep University of the East, 25-19, 25-10, 25-19, for a crucial bounce-back win in the UAAP Season 88 Collegiate Women’s Volleyball Tournament at the Smart Araneta Coliseum on Wednesday.

Coming off a shock reverse-sweep loss to the University of the Philippines Fighting Maroons last Saturday, the Lady Bulldogs started flat and found themselves trailing 8-15 in the opening set against the Lady Warriors.

However, behind Celine Marsh, Vange Alinsug, and Arah Panique, NU roared back with a decisive 17-4 run to steal the first set, 25-19.

The sophomore Marsh, who got the starting nod in place of injured rookie Sam Cantada, finished with 11 points built on eight spikes, two aces, and a block, along with 12 excellent digs and four receptions.

“I never really doubted Celine’s performance. I never really feel like na malaki ‘yung mawawala kapag may isang player na hindi makakalaro kasi I have somebody else to help the team. Tulungan lang talaga kami,” said NU head coach Regine Diego on Marsh’s first start.

The Lady Bulldogs never looked back, cruising through the second set, 25-10, and closing out the third, 25-19.

With the win, NU improved to 4-1, claiming solo second place ahead of idle UP at 3-1.

“Nag move on lang kami. Hindi naman doon (sa talo sa UP) natatapos ang lahat, marami pa kaming chance na baguhin at pagtrabahuhan pa yung susunod na games,” said team captain Vange Alinsug, who delivered an all-around effort of 10 points, seven digs, and seven receptions.

Panique also reached double figures with 12 points.

Cantada, who injured her right shin during last Saturday’s five-set loss to the Fighting Maroons, was in uniform but did not see action to allow her to recover. Still, Diego remains optimistic that the Dasmariñas, Cavite native will be ready for Sunday’s showdown against Ateneo de Manila University.

For UE, Van Bangayan paced the Lady Warriors with 12 points and five receptions, while Khy Cepada added 10 points, seven receptions, and six digs.

The Lady Warriors remained winless after five games and will try to break through on Saturday against undefeated De La Salle University at the same venue.

Adamson fends off UE for a bounce back win in UAAP Season 88 Women's Volleyball

c/o UAAP

 

Games Sunday at the SM Mall of Asia Arena
9 a.m. - Ateneo vs UP (Men)
11 a.m. - UST vs DLSU (Men)
1 p.m. - Ateneo vs UP (Women)
3 p.m. - UST vs DLSU (Women)

Adamson University shrugged off a third-set slip against the University of the East to secure a 25-15, 25-18, 21-25, 25-18 bounce-back win in the UAAP Season 88 Collegiate Women’s Volleyball Tournament at the SM Mall of Asia Arena on Saturday.

The Lady Warriors built a 9-5 lead in the third set thanks to strong starts from Khy Cepada and Bea Zamudio, but Abby Segui, Frances Mordi, and Lana Barrera answered for the Lady Falcons with a 10-2 run, giving UE a 15-11 lead.

Adamson, however, allowed UE to come back from 13-17 down, committing five straight errors that tied the set at 18-all. Cepada, Zamudio, Van Bangayan, Eljane Nogueras, and Shania Olmoguez then carried the Lady Warriors to a 25-21 win, forcing a fourth set.

The Lady Falcons regained their composure in the fourth as Shaina Nitura entered the court earlier than in the third set, where she had come in at 18-all.

“Very important win kasi ‘yung mga susunod na laban namin mabibigat na rin na schools so we needed this win kahit na nagkulang kami nung third set, regroup ulit at nakuha namin ‘yung panalo,” said Adamson head coach JP Yude after the one-hour, 45-minute match.

The Lady Falcons improved to 2-1, while the Lady Warriors remained winless in three games.

Nitura finished with 19 points on 19-of-35 spikes, alongside 13 excellent digs and 12 excellent receptions, helping Adamson dominate in spiking (52-37), blocking (12-3), and service (8-4).

“Ngayon talaga wini-work on namin ‘yung chemistry namin na mabuo plus ‘yung errors talagang nagha-highlight sa amin. We’re gonna go back to training and trabahuhing mabawasan or better hindi magkaerror sa simpleng baga,” said Nitura, as Adamson committed 32 errors, nine more than UE.

After scoring just nine points combined in the first two sets, Nitura seemed on track for a UAAP career-low, but she extended her double-digit scoring streak in the third set as a substitute and added eight kills in the fourth.

Frances Mordi contributed 19 points, nine receptions, and seven digs, while middle blockers Eloi Dote and Lhouiz Tuddao added eight and seven points, respectively. Playmaker Fhei Sagaysay tallied 15 excellent sets along with 10 points on five aces, four attacks, and one block.

Adamson will aim for a second straight win on March 1 against Far Eastern University at the Smart Araneta Coliseum, while UE will try to end a 17-game slide next Saturday against University of Santo Tomas at the Quadricentennial Pavilion.

For the Lady Warriors, Zamudio led with 14 points, 13 digs, and nine receptions, while Cepada and Bangayan added 11 points each. Angge Reyes contributed 16 digs and 11 receptions.

Palawan Group of Companies commits to support UP Women's Volleyball

Kianne Olango and Joan Monares with the PalawayPay app

The Palawan Group of Companies expands its support within the University of the Philippines athletics program, adding the university's women's volleyball team as another vehicle towards advancing youth development and sports excellence via its digital wallet platform PalawanPay. 

In establishing this new collaboration, PGC reinforces its long-standing position that athletics serve as a powerful force for nation-building as it shapes and molds the Filipino youth, one of their key pillars for its Corporate Social Responsibility.

Such a partnership allows PGC to deliver practical resources addressing the team's daily needs, athlete welfare, and long-term sustainability, allowing the management and coaching staff to focus on training and wholistic player development to foster their growth both on and off the court, as they represent UP with pride, honor, and excellence in competition.

In making this announcement, Chief Marketing Officer Bernard V. Kaibigan shares, "As a UP alumnus and a volleyball enthusiast, I am proud that PalawanPay will continue supporting the team for many seasons to come. UP has always represented the best of Filipino talent: intelligence paired with integrity, excellence grounded in service. The UP Women’s Volleyball Team embodies this spirit. You ladies are  strong, determined, disciplined, and you deserve to be supported and celebrated."

From the team's perspective, they are very much appreciative of their trust and support as a valued sponsor and steadfast partner. They note that "Three years ago, we started this program with a simple but powerful vision: ‘To grow, to compete, and to win.’ It’s something sustainable for our student-athletes. Today, that mission continues to come to life because of partners like you who believe in developing talent, character, and excellence."

PGC has been supportive of the University of the Philippines' athletics program since 2019, led by its founders Bobby and Angelita Castro, whose children are all alumni of the institution. 

Initially bolstering the men's basketball program and seeing it grow into its current status as one of the best collegiate teams in the country, they have since expanded their support into swimming and judo, with the former already netting a UAAP championship in the women's division last November.

In addition to providing resources, guidance, and encouragement to these programs, they have also been a key partner whenever UP holds certain celebrations, like their Champions' Thanksgiving Dinner.

In ensuring that student-athletes have the tools, guidance, and encouragement necessary they need to thrive, this new wrinkle in the partnership between PalawanPay and UP fosters a culture of excellence, perseverance, and leadership that shapes athletes into role models both on and off the field.

Cantada impresses in collegiate debut, leads NU to kick off title defense

c/o UAAP

UAAP Season 88 Collegiate Women’s Volleyball Standings
ADU 1-0
DLSU 1-0
UP 1-0
NU 1-0
UST 0-1
UE 0-1
FEU 0-1
Ateneo 0-1

Games on Wednesday at the UST Quadricentennial Pavilion
9 a.m. - AdU vs NU (Men)
11 a.m. - AdU vs NU (Women)
3 p.m. - UE vs FEU (Men)
5 p.m. - UE vs FEU (Women)

Sam Cantada lived up to the hype as National University opened its 'three-peat' bid with a thrilling 25-23, 25-19, 23-25, 26-24 victory over University of Santo Tomas in the UAAP Season 88 Women’s Volleyball Tournament.

The Lady Bulldogs and the Golden Tigresses delivered a gripping showdown in front of 15,215 fans at the SM Mall of Asia Arena on Sunday.

Cantada, the Season 87 High School Girls’ Volleyball MVP, spearheaded NU’s comeback from a 16-20 deficit in the fourth set, scoring seven of the team’s final 10 points — including three aces — to seal the win in two hours and 15 minutes.

“Sa totoo lang, I know a lot of people na chamba ‘yung 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 so I didn’t doubt her and I was so sure that she’s going to make it hanggang sa dulo,” said head coach Regine Diego, who secured a victory in her coaching debut for NU.

The Golden Tigresses were still in control at 23-19 before Cantada ignited NU’s decisive run. She began with a sharp crosscourt kill, then fired back-to-back aces to pull the Lady Bulldogs within one, 22-23.

Vange Alinsug tied the match at 23-all with an off-the-block hit, before Cantada unleashed another ace to hand NU the match point, 24-23.

Although Angge Poyos kept UST alive with a point to extend the set, Alinsug responded with a hit that grazed the blockers’ fingers. Poyos’ ensuing attack sailed out, sealing the victory for the Lady Bulldogs.

“Nasa utak ko lang po tinitesting ako sa training ang pangit po ng mga serve ko, inconsistent ako. Tumatak lang sa isip ko na kailangan kong i-overcome yun, kailangan kong ilaban ito kasi nakikita ko po sa teammates ko na nilalaban po nila,” said Cantada, who finished with a game-high 21 points built on 17 attacks, three aces, and a block, along with 14 excellent receptions.

Alinsug added 18 points, while Arah Panique chipped in 15 markers despite not seeing action in the fourth set.

Shaira Jardio also stood out defensively with 20 excellent receptions and 14 excellent digs.

Up next for NU is Adamson University on Wednesday at the UST Quadricentennial Pavilion.

Poyos led the Golden Tigresses with 18 points on 15 attacks and three blocks, while Xyza Gula contributed 10 points and five digs.

Rookies Julia Balingit and Avril Bron also scored 10 points apiece in the loss.

UST will have a week to regroup before facing De La Salle University next Sunday at the same Pasay venue.