Lams starts transition from Bulldogs star to one that turns Highrisers around

Lams Lamina —UAAP MEDIA

Galeries Tower parades top overall rookie pick Lams Lamina when the High Risers face season MVP Trisha Tubu and Farm Fresh in the PVL on Tour on Saturday at the Batangas City Sports Coliseum in Batangas

A three-time UAAP champion with National University, Lamina debuts for the Highrisers in a preseason match at 4 p.m., followed by ZUS Coffee eyeing its second win against Choco Mucho at 6:30 p.m.

Galeries coach Aying Esteban welcomes the championship experience of the two-time UAAP Best Setter, who will work with third-year pro player Julia Coronel in running their offense.

“We see a lot of potential in Lams, and there are still areas where she can improve,” said Esteban in Filipino. “From what we’ve seen, we believe she can become even more effective within our system.

“Of course, the professional level is different,” Esteban went on. “She can bring the experience she gained from playing in (UAAP) championship matches—the intensity, the pressure and everything that comes with it. I think that experience will help her transition (well and quick) into the pro game.”

Hopes are high for Galeries Tower, which also drafted middle blocker Ann Asis in the second round and signed free agents Alyssa Bertolano and Jade Gentapa from Farm Fresh and ZUS Coffee, respectively, to add more depth to the core led by Jean Asis, Aiza Maizo-Pontillas, Erika Deloria and Gayle Pascual.

Farm Fresh opens the preseason with Tubu coming from her best outing yet that led the Foxies to a breakthrough semifinals appearance in the All-Filipino Conference.

Alas Pilipinas players Ces Molina, Ara Galang and Royse Tubino return to PVL action to be the chief support to the prolific Tubu.

Meanwhile, ZUS Coffee eyes its second win after beating Akari in four sets in Ilagan, Isabela.

“The PVL On Tour is really an all-to-play tournament, so it’s been great for all the players,” said new Thunderbelle Jolina dela Cruz. “No one is just sitting on the bench—they all get the opportunity to contribute.”

Rookie Zam Nolasco showed her worth in that exciting win over the Chargers, and ZUS also got big games from AC Miner, Rachel Anne Daquis and Dela Cruz.

The Flying Titans will lean on their role players while they play minus Alas standouts Eya Laure and Dawn Catindig as well as beach volleyball star Sisi Rondina. All are in the midst of prep for different national teams for the Asian Games.

Another celebrated setter in former Far Eastern ace Tin Ubaldo will also make he pro debut for Choco Mucho, which will play newly acquired Jewel Encarnacion and veterans Isa Molde, Des Cheng, Dindin Santiago-Manabat, Deanna Wong, Lorraine Pecaña, Maddie Madayag and libero Thang Ponce.