UAAP: Lams Lamina leaves NU with grateful heart despite setback

NU Lady Bulldogs’ Lams Lamina hugs La Salle Lady Spikers’ Amie Provido and Angel Canino after their UAAP Season 88 women’s volleyball Finals duel. –MARLO CUETO/INQUIRER.net

MANILA, Philippines —Staying for her fifth and final year was still worth it for setter Lams Lamina despite National University’s failed “three-peat” bid in the UAAP Season 88 women’s volleyball tournament.

Lamina finished her UAAP career with 11 excellent sets as NU was dethroned by unbeaten  La Salle, 25-22, 25-16, 25-16, in Game 2 of the Finals on Saturday before 22,509 fans at Mall of Asia Arena.

“Of course, it was all worth it because I didn’t just play in the UAAP. We also went through preseason tournaments. I’m happy that my teammates and I stayed together and made it all the way to the Finals,” said Lamina in Filipino.

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Lamina ended her UAAP career as a two-time UAAP Best Setter and three-time champion out of five straight finals appearances.

“I’m really proud of myself because behind all the achievements, people don’t see the sacrifices a person makes. They don’t see the daily effort in training and the bond we built with our teammates. I’m just very happy and proud of myself,” she said.

READ: UAAP: Regardless of role, NU’s Lams Lamina focused on winning

Lamina saw her role limited in most parts of the elimination round under new coach Regine Diego, until she regained the main playmaker position in her final games of the season.

But she leaves with a grateful heart.

NU Lady Bulldogs’ coach Regine Diego and setter Lams Lamina after they settled for silver in the UAAP Season 88 women’s volleyball tournament. –MARLO CUETO/INQUIRER.net

“I’m really grateful because NU was the one that accepted me and gave me the chance to stay. It’s been such a joy playing for the NU community, with my teammates, managers, and coaches. I’m really proud and thankful that I stayed with NU,” said Lamina.

“I won’t just focus on the loss because throughout my time with NU, we also won championships. Despite moments like this, I know I have to move forward. I also know I’ll learn a lot once I reach the professional level,” she added.

Lamina also believes that NU will bounce back stronger with a younger Lady Bulldogs set to step up.

“Even after I leave, the players who will replace us are also very talented. NU has a lot of young players with great potential. I’m happy and excited to watch them play next season,” she said.

“I’m very proud of my teammates because we really fought all the way to the Finals despite everything that happened to our team this season. But even with all those challenges, we still battled until the end.”

Lamina will enter the PVL Draft, but she wants to reflect first on her swan song season before completing her requirements.