As the UAAP Season 88 Women’s Volleyball Tournament enters its crucial stretch, NU Lady Bulldogs head coach Regine Diego turned to veteran setter Lams Lamina to steer the defending champions’ offense.
In her first full game as starting setter this season, Lamina delivered 20 excellent sets to help NU sweep the Adamson Lady Falcons, 25-20, 25-21, 25-21, at the UST Quadricentennial Pavilion.
After the win, Diego emphasized that the decision to start and stick with Lamina was entirely up to the coaching staff.
“Coach’s decision naman siya. Pero siyempre, why ruin something good, hindi ba? Maganda yung nilalaro ni Lams, so bakit tayo magpapalit?” Diego said.
“Okay naman si Abe [Pono] rin for sure. She’s going to play well din if she’s there. But for now, Lams is working well with everyone, and the connections are good. A win of one is a win of all.”
Lams Lamina Is All for It
For Lamina, the role—whether as starter or backup—has never been the priority.
“Ako naman kasi, always ready ako kahit anong mangyari. Yung mindset ko talaga is to stay focused. Kung ano man ibigay sa akin na role, tatanggapin ko para sa team,” she said.
“Very happy ako kasi nag-start talaga ’yan sa training. Pinagtrabahuan namin ng mga spikers. Last game medyo kulang pa, so hopefully mas maayos pa namin moving forward.”
NU has three games left in the elimination round, facing the UE Lady Red Warriors, the La Salle Lady Spikers, and the UST Golden Tigresses.
Consistency Will Be Crucial
Diego underscored the importance of consistency as the Lady Bulldogs gear up for the postseason push.
“As coaches, we have to be objective all the time. We cannot discredit the efforts of everyone. We just make sure na malinis kami every game, and yung connection should be 100 percent,” she said.
“At least ngayon, nakukuha na namin yung gel at chemistry. Hopefully, mas malinis pa namin in the future, especially with the setters and their connections to the spikers.”
