SAMANTHA Cantada starred as defending champion National University edged Adamson University, 25-23, 25-19, 28-26, in the UAAP Season 88 women’s volleyball tournament at the UST Quadricentennial Pavilion on Wednesday.

Cantada tallied 16 points—including 13 attacks, two aces, and a block—along with nine receptions and five digs, helping the Lady Bulldogs secure their second win of the season.

“Honestly, we’re calm. This is just a game,” Cantada said when asked about her emotions facing her former school. The 18-year-old outside spiker from Dasmariñas, Cavite, had played two seasons with Adamson, earning the Season 86 MVP before transferring to NU.

Adamson threatened a comeback in the third set after Nigerian spiker Frances Mordi scored consecutive points and an Eloi Dote block on Cantada gave them a set point at 24-23. However, Cantada’s precise down-the-line attack, coupled with two crucial errors by Dote and Shaina Nitura, swung the momentum back to NU at 27-26. Alexa Mata sealed the win with an ace in the 91-minute contest.

“I’m proud of the team. It was a tough match, but it’s also a learning opportunity for us to gel better as a relatively new squad,” said NU head coach Regine Diego.

Supporting Cantada, opposite spiker Arah Panique added 12 points and four excellent digs, while Vange Alinsug contributed six points, nine digs, and seven excellent receptions. Chamy Maaya and Mata also added six points apiece. Abe Pono orchestrated 14 excellent sets, and Shaira Jardio had 11 excellent receptions and eight digs.

For Adamson, Nitura led with 18 points and Mordi added 17. The loss marked Adamson’s first setback after a season-opening win over Ateneo de Manila University.

NU will next face Far Eastern University, while Adamson meets the University of the East on Feb. 21 at the SM Mall of Asia Arena.