Is Cantada the next Belen?

National University (NU) rookie Sam Cantada has built a strong case as heir apparent to former Lady Bulldogs ace Bella Belen following a strong performance in the recently concluded 2025 Shakey’s Super League (SSL) National Invitationals Davao Leg.

Showcasing her firepower, court smarts and maturity beyond her age, the springy freshman’s arrival helped the rebuilding Lady Bulldogs claim their second straight tournament crown.

Cantada, the reigning University Athletic Association of the Philippines (UAAP) girls’ volleyball Most Valuable Player (MVP), averaged 12 points per game in NU’s three-game sweep to rule the leg.

Her powerful spikes, loaded service game and seamless transition to the collegiate level of play under the system of head coach Sherwin Meneses have assured NU of a new weapon after losing four key players following its repeat UAAP conquest led by three-time UAAP MVP Belen and Alyssa Solomon.

But the Best Player of the Davao Leg downplays the hype and pressure.

“I try to tune out the outside noise and just play my game,” she said.

“Honestly, I don’t really feel the weight of pressure because I have my teammates backing me up. Coach Sherwin will always tell me to go all out every game. Don’t hesitate. Barugin kung barugin ang bola. Find a way, make a way,” she added.

Cantada particularly made heads turn with her contributions in the Lady Bulldogs’ 25-21, 20-25, 25-20, 25-17, win over UAAP rival University of the Philippines last Sunday at the University of Southeastern Philippines Gym in Davao City.

She dropped 16 points coming off 11 kills and five aces against a veteran-laden Fighting Maroons side.

It was Cantada’s second title with the school after winning the Shakey’s Girls Volleyball Invitational League just two months ago while playing for NU Nazareth School. She was also named MVP of the tournament.

“I’m adjusting really well (with the Lady Bulldogs) and the whole team is very cooperative in helping each other out under the system of coach Sherwin,” said Cantada, a transferee from Adamson University.

Despite her impressive pre-season debut, Cantada wants to learn and improve to build her confidence heading into the UAAP season early next year.

“What I need to improve on is to be consistent in everything that I do especially in my passes. For me, attacking comes naturally and I get my confidence in my spikes. But here in college, it’s about being able to control the ball and make good passes. Everything starts with a good pass,” she said.