As National University celebrates its third UAAP women’s volleyball title in four seasons, the spotlight now turns to Camilla “Lams” Lamina — and the question of whether she’ll suit up for the Lady Bulldogs one last time.
Unlike her batchmates — three-time MVP Bella Belen, former Finals MVP Alyssa Solomon and middle blockers Sheena Toring and Erin Pangilinan — Lamina has not yet decided whether to return for her final year of eligibility.
Should she come back, however, she will be walking into a very different NU team, but a squad ready to be molded by her leadership.
(C) UAAP Season 87 Media Team
“Kung mag-iisang taon pa ko, siguro ito na ‘yung time para i-lead namin yung NU,” said the 22-year-old setter, fresh from orchestrating NU’s championship-clinching win over La Salle with 16 excellent sets at the SM Mall of Asia Arena.
A two-time UAAP Best Setter, Lamina led all playmakers in Season 87 with 5.34 excellent sets per frame.
Her court vision, poise, and experience were key ingredients in NU’s continued dominance.
And if she stays, she’s more than ready to take on a bigger role — not just as a playmaker, but as the Lady Bulldogs’ clear-cut leader.
“Yung mga bata mag-step up at para rin mag-lead sa team. May mga bagong players kasi at ayun happy naman ako dun,” added Lamina, who hails from Guimaras.
That younger batch is already showing signs of brilliance.
(C) UAAP Season 87 Media Team
Outside hitter Vange Alinsug and libero Shaira Jardio both made history by sharing the Finals MVP plum — the first time such a feat has been achieved in the women’s division.
Alongside key holdovers like Alexa Mata, Arah Panique, and Chamy Maaya, NU’s future is in good hands.
But Lamina’s presence could elevate them further — giving the young Lady Bulldogs the guide they’ll need in navigating the tougher road ahead.
Out of the 14 players on the Season 87 roster, 10 came from NU-Nazareth, the school’s high school unit.
That familiarity has been NU’s secret weapon.
“Malaking bagay din is ‘yung chemistry ng bawat isa samin. Ayun nga, since matagal na talaga kaming magkakasama, so pare-parehas na kaming gustong makamit, which is ‘yung championships,” said Lamina.
And if she does decide to come back, Lamina will chase more than just another championship.
She’ll be aiming to guide NU to a rare three-peat — a feat last accomplished by La Salle from Seasons 78 to 80. But more importantly, she’ll be setting the tone for a new era.
With Belen, Solomon, Toring, and Pangilinan all moving on, NU’s dynastic run hinges on continuity — and no player embodies that more than Lamina.
(C) UAAP Season 87 Media Team
In a tearful post-title moment, Lamina and Belen embraced, aware that their historic journey together may have just reached its end.
“Kung babalik ako, gusto kong ipasa ‘yung natutunan namin. Kasi sobrang dami kong natutunan sa batch ko,” Lamina told Tiebreaker Times. “Kung anong klaseng culture ‘yung meron kami, gusto ko maipasa sa mga bagong players.”
Whether she returns or not, Lamina’s legacy is already etched in stone.
But if she chooses to play one more season, it won’t just be for herself — it will be to guide the next wave of Lady Bulldogs, to continue a culture of excellence, and to ensure NU stays on top.
And that could be the most important play of her career yet.
#WATCH: Bella Belen and Lams Lamina share tears as they part ways after guiding NU to its third title in four years 🐾🏆
📹 @ernesttuazon /Tiebreaker Times#UAAPSeason87 pic.twitter.com/BHMnNso061
— Tiebreaker Times (@tiebreakertimes) May 14, 2025
