Photo: UAAP

By Nate Castillo

Graduating setter Lams Lamina has no problem being relegated to a relief role for three-peat-seeking National University as long as she delivers once her number is called.  

When the Lady Bulldogs got into trouble against upset-conscious Far Eastern University, the fifth-year playmaker stepped up to bring order back for a thrilling, 17-25, 16-25, 25-19, 25-21, 15-12, escape to remain unbeaten in the University Athletic Association of the Philippines (UAAP) Season 88 women’s volleyball tournament Sunday at the Mall of Asia Arena.  

Photo: UAAP

Lamina tallied 19 excellent sets despite coming off the bench in the first two frames.

“For me, despite my new role, I just try to be ready in case they need me in. Whoever gets the call in our team is always ready,” Lamina said.

The main setter for NU in the past four years has been playing substitute in her last dance as first-year head coach Regine Diego gives young playmaker Abegail Pono exposure.

Photo: UAAP

But when Pono wasn’t as efficient as she was in their first two games, Diego sent in the battle-tested Lamina to stabilize the Lady Bulldogs’ offense.

“We really slowed down in the first two sets that we lost. When I was sent in, I reminded my teammates that we need to be composed until the end,” Lamina said.

Photo: UAAP

“(FEU) defended well against our corner spikers, open hitters and opposite. So I adjusted our plays by activating our middles,” she added.

Lamina’s championship experience also played a big factor in the deciding frame as the Lady Bulldogs overhauled a 7-11 deficit to foil the Lady Tamaraws for a 3-0 record.

Lamina is determined to continue leading NU, starter or not.