MANILA, Philippines — Having not started through three games at the UAAP Season 88 women's volleyball didn't stop Lams Lamina from shining for the 3-peat-seeking NU Lady Bulldogs.
The two-time Best Setter proved especially on Saturday against the FEU Lady Tamaraws that she can still be as effective as a starter despite coming off the bench.
Playing her fifth and final year in the league, Lamina's playmaking skills and leadership guided NU to a 17-25, 16-25, 25-19, 25-21, 15-12 reverse sweep of FEU and a 3-0 start at the Mall of Asia Arena.
Lamina, who finished with 19 excellent sets, said she took being relegated to the bench in stride, staying ready for the defending champs.
“For me, since this is a new role, I just keep telling myself to always be ready no matter what happens. Whoever gets picked from among us teammates, we’re always ready," said Lamina.
“I just reminded my teammates when I was subbed in that we need to stay composed until the end," the 23-year-old added.
Lamina, who came off the bench in the first two sets, explained how she adjusted the offense for the Lady Bulldogs.
“In the first two sets, we slowed down," said Lamina.
"Our outside spikers and open hitters were being closely defended. So when I came in, I adjusted the sets to our middle hitters."
Having competed in the last four Finals series and winning three titles, Lamina had this to say to her teammates"
“I always remind them, especially when the game is like that, that we really need to respect our opponent.
"We can’t just treat it casually or play it too relaxed. It can’t be like that because all teams are very competitive. So we need to persevere and give our best in every game."
Lamina and the league-leading Lady Bulldogs will next face the UP Fighting Maroons at the UST Quadricentennial Pavilion on February 28.