Lams Lamina never expected to see her name on the coveted list, but when the National University playmaker found out she had been included in Alas Pilipinas’ 33-player pool, shock quickly turned into gratitude.
“Ako, nagulat ako,” she admitted.
“Di ko inexpect na magiging part ako ng wishlist. But ayun, thankful ako kasi sa tryout na ‘yun.”
As the only collegiate setter in a group filled with professionals, Lamina knows she has a lot to prove. But rather than feeling intimidated, she sees this as a golden opportunity — especially with the chance to learn from one of the country’s greatest playmakers, Jia De Guzman.
Lamina joins an elite group of setters that includes De Guzman (Denso Airybees), Julia Coronel (Galeries Tower), Mars Alba (Choco Mucho), and Fil-American Tia Andaya.
Despite being the youngest of the bunch, the 22-year-old is eager to soak up every lesson from the seasoned veterans around her.
“Alam niyo, excited po talaga ako. Kasi ayun nga, part ako ng wishlist plus tingin ko may matututunan din ako sa mga ibang setters. Ayun, I’m grateful na maging part ng wishlist po,” she said enthusiastically.
“Excited po ako. Ate Jia!”
The former UAAP Best Setter also expressed her deepest appreciation to Alas Pilipinas for recognizing her potential and giving her the chance to compete at the highest level.
“Feel ko, nakitaan din nila ako ng potential para maisali dun sa wishlist. Kaya ayun, I will give my best every day,” she added.
The 5-foot-6 setter is one of five Lady Bulldogs named to the national team pool, joining fellow newcomer Vange Alinsug and holdovers Bella Belen, Alyssa Solomon, and Arah Panique.
(C) AVC
Solomon, who was part of the Alas Pilipinas squad that secured back-to-back bronze medals in the 2024 Southeast Asian V-League, wants the NU core to embrace the challenge and maximize the experience of playing in the national team.
“Super happy ako kasi andoon sila and andoon yung core [ng team]. So, macha-challenge din sila — and kaming lahat — pagdating sa lahat ng posisyon. So, paglalabanan talaga namin yung mga posisyon namin,” said Solomon.
The 33-player pool will undergo a series of tryouts to determine the final composition of the national team that will compete in the AVC Challenge Cup, SEA V.League, and the Southeast Asian Games
