NU’s Lamina relishes chance to play out final UAAP year

NU’s Lams Lamina

(UAAP Media Bureau)

MANILA, Philippines — It may have been a heartbreaking finish to her UAAP career, but Camila Lamina said that returning for her final playing year was worth it.

After back-to-back championships, Lamina returned to National University this season to play in her final collegiate year.

However, she did not find consistent playing time early in the season, splitting time with Abe Pono.

But as the year went on, Lamina found herself as the starting setter anew, eventually leading the Lady Bulldogs to the finals.

But they were not able to complete a three-peat as they fell against the formidable La Salle Lady Spikers, who completed a season sweep.

After Saturday’s 25-22, 25-16, 25-16 defeat against La Salle in Game 2, Lamina said that looking back, everything was worth it.

“Of course, sobrang worth it kasi hindi naman ito yung… Hindi naman yung UAAP din talaga yung nilaroan ko lang. Meron ding pre-season na tournament,” she told reporters.

“So, happy ako kasi buo pa rin kami ng mga teammates ko na nakaabot dito sa finals.”

In her final collegiate match, Lamina tossed up 11 excellent sets and had three digs.

La Salle, though, was simply unstoppable as they did not drop a set in the finals series.

“Ako, very proud ako sa mga teammates ko kasi nailaban namin talaga sa finals, despite maraming nangyayari sa team namin. Pero siyempre, nalaban namin talaga. Ganyan lang,” she said.

“Siyempre, behind those achievements, hindi nila nakikita yung mga sacrifices na nagagawa ng isang tao. Yung mga efforts everyday sa training, early morning training, gano'n. And yung gagawa ng connection with my teammates, ganun, kaya sobrang happy ako and proud ako sa sarili ko.”

The 24-year-old setter won several championships with NU in the UAAP, as well as two best setter awards.

“Siguro hindi naman talo lang yung iisipin ko eh. Kundi all throughout ng paglalaro ko sa NU, nanalo naman po kami, nag-champion po kami. And ayun, despite po sa mga ganyan, kailangan ko talaga mag-move forward. At alam kong marami naman akong matutunan sa pro,” she said.

She also voiced optimism with NU’s future.

“Yung mga papalit, magagaling din eh. Maraming may potential na mga bata na naglalaro sa NU. And ayun, very happy ako and looking forward next season na sila yung maglalaro.”

Now, Lamina is preparing for her application in the PVL draft.