Fresh off being selected first overall, Lams Lamina steps into Galeries Tower carrying lofty expectations — and a looming challenge from fellow setter Julia Coronel — setting the stage for a compelling battle for playing time.
Still, both setters view the situation as healthy competition, one that they believe will bring out the best in each other.
“Siguro magandang ano yun, siguro healthy competition po sa aming mga ates ko,” said Lamina, who joins a Galeries Tower setter rotation that already features Coronel and Maji Mangulabnan.
Beyond the battle for playing time, Lamina and Coronel share the same objective: helping the Highrisers continue their growth and finally achieve a breakthrough in the Premier Volleyball League.
“Obviously, I’m very excited to work again with Lams, knowing again the kind of experience that she’s had in the collegiate level and also international level,” said Coronel, who has previously shared similar setups with Lamina in earlier iterations of Alas Pilipinas.
“I’m also excited to learn from her, I also hope she’s open to learning from the rest of us na ates niya sa team.”
For her part, the two-time UAAP Best Setter out of National University said she will do her best to make the most of the opportunity, while also sharing the experience and lessons she has picked up over the years to help lift the rest of the Galeries Tower squad.
(C) PVL Images
“And siyempre ako as a rookie, ipapakita ko lang po talaga yung best ko, kung ano po ang ma-contribute ko talaga sa team. And also kung ano po matutunan ko, ma-sha-share ko po sana sa mga ates ko,” Lamina said.
Highrisers head coach Aying Esteban explained that the decision to bring in Lamina was also driven by necessity. The team is still thin at the setter position and unable to afford any gaps in depth heading into the season.
Esteban also stressed that talent like Lamina is simply too valuable to pass up, pointing to her pedigree as the top overall pick and her proven ability at both the collegiate and international levels.
“Ano, siyempre, hindi kami puwedeng mag-ano lang ng dalawang setter, so hindi mo alam kung ano puwedeng mangyari. So, pag nakita naman si Lams na talagang potential din siya, marami rin i-improve,” said Esteban, who is entering his second conference with the team.
“At yung ano niya, nakita namin yung ano, mas magiging siguro effective siya dito sa team namin.”
Lamina and Coronel are still unsure how playing time will be split moving forward, leaving the final decision to the coaching staff.
Whatever happens, one thing is certain: they will give their all whenever they are fielded on the floor.
“I think siyempre, sila coach na rin talaga bahala kung ano ang plano nila for the team,” said the former La Salle playmaker.
