Lams Lamina’s name is already etched among the best playmakers in UAAP women’s volleyball history — but she is far from done authoring what is already a decorated career.
Over an illustrious 11-year run that began in Season 75 (2015), Lamina rose as one of the most accomplished setters of her generation. She collected an impressive four Best Setter awards and an astounding eight championships across her high school and collegiate career.
For more than a decade, the 24-year-old playmaker served as the steady compass and leader of the Lady Bulldogs. All the more so in Season 88, when NU navigated the departures of Bella Belen and Alyssa Solomon.
Now, as the No. 1 overall pick in the 2026 Premier Volleyball League Draft by Galeries Tower, Lamina is ready to bring her trademark resiliency and championship experience to a rebuilding Highrisers squad.
“Since I am from a champion team, which is NU, ang mabibigay ko lang at mao-offer ko sa Galeries ay kung gaano ako ka-competitive inside and outside the court at yung hard work, discipline, at yung work ethic ko,” Lamina told reporters Wednesday evening at Novotel Manila.
“For me, siyempre fulfilling kasi wow, ako yung isa sa mga napili nila ng Team Galeries. It shows yung trust na ako pa talaga yung napili. Very happy and very grateful,” she added.
While many expect Lamina to make an immediate impact for a Galeries Tower side that already has former national team setter Julia Coronel, she acknowledged that success will not come overnight.
(C) PVL Images
For the Highrisers to rise among the PVL’s perennial contenders — such as Creamline, Capital1, and Farm Fresh — the 5-foot-7 playmaker stressed that both individual and team breakthroughs will hinge on hard work and mental endurance.
Alongside her in helping the Aying Esteban-mentored squad compete in the nine-team field are Coronel, Aiza Maizo-Pontillas, Jean Asis, Roselle Baliton, and Erika Deloria.
“Of course, always ready naman ako, siyempre. But siyempre, it will start sa how will I prepare first and how will I manage myself,” Lamina expressed.
“Siyempre, pagtuntong sa PVL, kasi iba na sila maglaro, mga beterano na sila maglaro. Feel ko marami akong matututunan and i-e-embrace ko talaga yung challenge pag kalaban sila,” she continued.
Beyond her teammates and fellow playmakers across the league, such as Creamline’s Jia de Guzman and NXLED’s Gel Cayuna, there is one familiar face Lamina is especially looking forward to learning from.
That is none other than long-time NU teammate Bella Belen, who was also selected as a No. 1 pick in the 2025 draft.
While the well-known duo will now stand on opposite sides of the Taraflex for the first time in over a decade, Lamina sees it as another step in her growth — and an opportunity to sharpen her game as she helps usher in a new era for the Highrisers.
“Excited kasi makakalaban ko siya, and this is our first time na magkakalaban kami after 11 or 12 years. Siyempre, iba yung feeling kasi noon, magkakasama kami; ngayon, magkakalaban. Tingin ko, marami ako matututunan sa kanya,” Lamina said.
