NATIONAL U lost a key piece to the puzzle in prized rookie Sam Cantada late in the third set, but that alone did not seal its fate on Saturday.
The Lady Bulldogs absorbed a stunning 25-16, 25-16, 22-25, 29-31, 16-18 reverse-sweep loss to the University of the Philippines after appearing well on their way to a routine sweep.
READ: UP fights through five sets to pin first loss on National U
Cantada exited at the 13-20 mark of the third frame following an awkward collision with libero IC Cepada that hurt her right shin.
The rookie winger was iced on the bench and even pleaded to return, but the coaching staff held her back to avoid aggravating the injury.
Before her exit, the reigning UAAP girls’ volleyball MVP had 10 points built on four aces, three attacks, and three blocks.
Still, NU was in control.
Even without Cantada, the Lady Bulldogs were up 19-12 in the fourth set and just six points away from closing out the match.
Instead, the Maroons fought back and erased four match points then three more in the fifth frame to complete the comeback.
Captain Vange Alinsug tried to steady the ship, scoring 10 of her 20 points in the fourth set and adding four in the decider.
But the offense sputtered late.
Den Daylisan and Chams Maaya chipped in three apiece in the fifth, Alexa Mata had two, and Arah Panique managed just one when they could’ve easily gone for the jugular and put State U away.
Meanwhile, UP's trio of Nina Ytang, Casiey Dongallo, and Jelai Gajero combined for 11 of their 18 fifth set points, a steadier scoring distribution that was enough to outlast the defending champions.
Sam on the mend
Cantada offered a reassuring update before leaving the venue, though.
“Ngayon, mga nasa five to six [out of 10 ‘yung pain] po,” she said.
She added the pain had subsided compared to immediately after the collision, and she was able to walk normally.
She will undergo further evaluation in the coming days, as she eyes a possible return Wednesday against winless University of the East.
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