National University rookie Sam Cantada admitted struggling with the pressure of playing in her first UAAP women’s volleyball Finals after the Lady Bulldogs absorbed a straight-set loss to unbeaten De La Salle University Lady Spikers in Game 1 on Wednesday at the SM Mall of Asia Arena.
Cantada, one of NU’s top performers during the elimination round, had a tough night against La Salle’s defensive wall and was limited to two points on 1-of-16 attacking while also struggling on floor defense.
Despite the disappointing outing, Cantada faced the setback head-on and acknowledged that nerves affected her performance in her first appearance on the league’s biggest stage.
“Overwhelmed, po. Siyempre, first time ko, pero siyempre nandiyan naman yung mga ates para gabayan ako,” Cantada said. “Siguro normal naman siguro sa first-timer na tulad ko.”
Facing a must-win situation, Cantada said she intends to regain her confidence through training as NU attempts to force a deciding Game 3.
“Ang sabi lang naman sa amin ay hindi pa tapos. ’Yon lang, hindi pa tapos ang Finals,” Cantada said. “Siguro start ulit ako na makakuha ng kumpiyansa sa training kasi doon talaga lahat nagsisimula.”
Game 2 of the best-of-three championship series is scheduled on Saturday at the same Pasay venue. (AC)
