BATANGAS CITY — Even before making her much-awaited Premier Volleyball League debut, Lams Lamina had already won over Galeries Tower head coach Aying Esteban with her work ethic and eagerness to learn.
Esteban revealed that since joining the Highrisers, Lamina has been one of the team’s most attentive learners, constantly seeking guidance from the coaching staff and her veteran teammates as she works to improve her game and familiarize herself with the team’s system.
“Kahit sa training, tanong siya nang tanong sa mga teammates niya, sa amin, kung ano ang nangyayari,” said Esteban.
“‘Yun ang maganda sa kanya, hindi siya nagsasarili. Kumbaga, lagi siyang ano na matuto doon sa team namin.”
Lamina made her much-anticipated preseason debut for Galeries Tower on Saturday night, providing steady minutes behind team captain Julia Coronel as the Highrisers outlasted Farm Fresh, 25-17, 24-26, 25-19, 26-24, at the Batangas City Sports Center here.
The former National University standout recorded seven excellent sets, capably directing the Highrisers’ second unit and ensuring the team maintained its offensive rhythm whenever the starters went to the bench.
(C) PVL Images
Lamina also displayed remarkable poise in crunch time. She first set up Lycha Ebon for the go-ahead attack that gave Galeries Tower a 25-24 lead before delivering a perfectly placed one-handed set to Roselle Baliton, who hammered home the match-clinching quick attack.
While pleased with Lamina’s early showing, Esteban emphasized that the 24-year-old still has plenty to learn, particularly when it comes to running the Highrisers’ offensive system with greater consistency.
“Meron pa ring mga sa system namin na kailangan niya i-adapt pa, pero siyempre sa process pa rin ‘yun,” said Esteban.
Esteban, who took over as Galeries Tower head coach midway through the season-ending All-Filipino Conference, is encouraged by the direction the Highrisers are taking as the team continues to build chemistry with its revamped roster.
Still, despite the promising start, he stressed that the preseason is all about growth and hopes the team will continue building on its progress with every match.
“Ang laki, ang laki na ng changes. Ang laking pagbabago sa mentality, pagdating sa training. Natutuwa ako kasi hindi sila nagsasawa sa kung anong ginagawa namin. Grateful ako sa kanila sa ganoong ginagawa nila sa team namin.”
