The NU Lady Bulldogs relied on three-time champion Lams Lamina to call the shots in their five-set comeback over FEU in round 1 of UAAP Season 88.
Lams Lamina took the reins late for the NU Lady Bulldogs as they successfully completed a reverse sweep against the FEU Lady Tamaraws in their first round encounter of UAAP Season 88 on Saturday at the Mall of Asia Arena.
Mostly coming off the bench this season, Lamina was inserted midway through the game after the Lady Bulldogs found themselves down a 0-2 against the Lady Tamaraws.
[RELATED: UAAP: NU Lady Bulldogs complete reverse sweep of FEU to stay perfect at 3-0]
Lamina was able to help turn the tides for NU, using her veteran wits to charge life back to the NU offense.
“Sa first two sets po talaga, nag slow down kami and also mas nababantayan yung dulo-dulo naming spikers, open hitters and opposite. So ayun po, pagpasok ko po, in-adjust ko po agad, which is binigay ko po agad sa mga middles,” said Lamina.
Chams Maaya and Alexa Mata were key to NU’s comeback, finishing with nine points and seven points, respectively.
Lamina was the setter inside for NU in key stretches, including in the fifth and deciding set where the Lady Bulldogs clawed back from a 7-11 deficit.
Keeping the team in mind
Despite her wealth of experience and accolades, Lamina was more than willing to take a "lesser" role under first-year head coach Regine Diego.
With Lamina playing a reserve role, Abe Pono has been the starting setter for the Lady Bulldogs.
In the midst of her final year of eligibility with the Lady Bulldogs, Lamina said that she’s just happy to contribute to the team.
“Actually, kung sino naman po ipasok sa amin per game, ready lang din po kami. So yun lang naman po,” she said.
At the end of the day, Lamina is ready to step up to the plate whenever she’s called upon.
“For me naman, since bagong role ko to, ang sinasabi ko lang sa sarili ko is ready lang ako kahit anong mangyari. Kung sino man bubunutin samin ng mga teammates ko, always ready lang kami,” she said.
Apart from Lamina’s resurgent performance, Arah Panique's career-high of 27 points highlighted NU's comeback win.
Meanwhile, Vange Alinsug also added a triple-double of 15 points, 13 excellent digs, and 15 excellent receptions.
Despite a more quiet performance, Cantada still ended up with 11 points, nine excellent digs, and 11 excellent receptions.
The Lady Tams leaned on Gerz Petallo’s triple-double of 12 points, 12 excellent digs, and 22 excellent receptions.
Aly Devosora finished with 11 markers for FEU.
NU improved to 3-0 while the FEU Lady Tamaraws fall to 1-2.
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Luisa Morales is a sports writer with a special interest in promoting women’s sports.
Her coverage highlights include the UAAP, PVL, Southeast Asian Games, and the FIBA World Cup. She also follows Alex Eala, the Philippine women’s national football team, and mixed martial arts.