NU setter Lams Lamina shared her joy after winning the UAAP Season 87 championship, revealing she was inspired to perform her best knowing her idol Jia de Guzman was watching courtside.
National University’s Lams Lamina couldn’t hide her joy following the Lady Bulldogs’ dominant sweep of La Salle to capture the UAAP Season 87 women’s volleyball championship.
A big part of that elation came from knowing her volleyball idol, Jia de Guzman, was in the stands watching.
“Well, actually sinabi na agad ako na manonood siya. So ako, inexpect ko na pupunta siya,” the newly-crowned Best Setter told One Sports, who finished Game 2 with 16 excellent sets.
“Kagabi palang, [sabi ko], nandiyan idol ko, so gagalingan ko at gagawan ko ng paraan lahat ng mga pasa ng mga spikers ko,” she added.
Lamina played a crucial role in orchestrating NU’s attack throughout the Finals, capping the Lady Bulldogs’ third UAAP title in four seasons and their second straight championship.
The 23-year-old setter even shared she hugged De Guzman after the win.
Lamina admitted she was overwhelmed with happiness not just because NU completed a 2-0 sweep in the Finals, but because her longtime idol got to witness it firsthand.
“Sobrang saya. Kinikilig ako kasi sa dugout banda, hinug ko siya,” she added.
Lamina has long been compared to De Guzman, both of whom had decorated careers in the UAAP. Despite this, the NU star calls on fans to stop doing so.
“Siguro, huwag na nila i-compare ‘yun kasi we have different paths, may iba-iba kaming pinagdadaanan,” Lamina explained. “So ayun, happy lang ako na idol ko siya at si Alyssa Valdez.”
Lamina could see De Guzman once more should she decide to join Alas Pilipinas' training and preparations for their upcoming tournaments.