Manila: Defending champion National University triumphed over Adamson University, 25-23, 25-19, 28-26, in the UAAP Season 88 women's volleyball tournament at the UST Quadricentennial Pavilion in Manila.

According to Philippines News Agency, Samantha Cantada finished with 16 points (13 attacks, two aces, and one block), nine receptions, and five digs as the Lady Bulldogs notched their second win. 'Actually, there are no emotions anymore. We're really okay, it's okay. This is just a game," Cantada said when asked about her feelings after the victory over her former school.

The 18-year-old outside spiker from Dasmari±as, Cavite, played two years for the Adamson girls team, winning the Season 86 MVP, before moving to NU. Back-to-back hits by Nigerian spiker Frances Mordi, along with an Eloi Dote block on Cantada, gave Adamson a set point at 24-23 in the third set. But Cantada's down-the-line attack and two crucial errors by Adamson's Eloi Dote and Shaina Nitura gave NU a match point at 27-26. Alexa Mata fired an ace to wrap up the one-hour and 31-minute match.

'Of course, I am very proud of them and happy, even though we had a hard time. I think it's one way for us to learn more and we have to gel more because we're not new to this, but we have to gel more since this is kind of a new team. We just have to stay humble and continue," NU head coach Regine Diego said.

Opposite spiker Arah Panique chipped in 12 points and four excellent digs, Vange Alinsug had six points, nine digs, and seven excellent receptions, while Chamy Maaya added six points. Mata finished with six points, Abe Pono dished out 14 excellent sets, and Shaira Jardio made 11 excellent receptions and eight digs.

Nitura had 18 points while Frances Mordi added 17 points for Adamson, which took its first loss after opening the season with a win over Ateneo de Manila University last Sunday. NU will face Far Eastern University, while Adamson will battle University of the East on Feb. 21 at the SM Mall of Asia Arena.