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Tag: Lams Lamina

  • Galeries Tower sees more than talent in Lams Lamina 

    Galeries Tower sees more than talent in Lams Lamina 

    For Galeries Tower head coach Aying Esteban, Lams Lamina’s biggest impact didn’t begin when she stepped onto the court in a Premier Volleyball League uniform.

    It started in practice.

     

    Long before making her long-awaited preseason debut, the former National University setter had already caught Esteban’s attention—not because of flashy plays, but because of her relentless desire to improve.

     

    Whether it was asking questions during training, seeking advice from coaches, or picking the brains of her veteran teammates, Lamina made it clear she was determined to learn every detail of the Highrisers’ 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.”

     

    That eagerness translated into a composed first outing as Lamina finally suited up for Galeries Tower on Saturday night, helping the Highrisers grind out a 25-17, 24-26, 25-19, 26-24 victory over Farm Fresh at the Batangas City Sports Center.

     

    Backing up team captain Julia Coronel, Lamina recorded seven excellent sets while efficiently steering the second unit and ensuring the team’s offense never lost its rhythm whenever the starters took a breather.

     

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    The rookie also showed maturity beyond her experience during the closing moments of the fourth set.

     

    She first delivered the setup that allowed Lycha Ebon to score the go-ahead point for a 25-24 edge before calmly tossing a one-handed set to Roselle Baliton, who buried the match-winning quick attack.

     

    Despite the encouraging debut, Esteban stressed that Lamina remains a work in progress as she continues adjusting to Galeries Tower’s offensive system.

     

    “Meron pa ring mga sa system namin na kailangan niya i-adapt pa, pero siyempre sa process pa rin ‘yun,” said Esteban.

     

    The Highrisers have undergone significant changes since Esteban took over midway through the PVL All-Filipino Conference, and the coach believes players like Lamina are helping shape a new culture centered on growth and accountability.

     

    While wins are welcome during the preseason, Esteban remains more encouraged by the team’s mindset as they continue laying the foundation for the upcoming season.

     

    “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.”

     

     

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  • Lams Lamina trades PVL On Tour for Alas Pilipinas duty after Galeries Tower debut win 

    Lams Lamina trades PVL On Tour for Alas Pilipinas duty after Galeries Tower debut win 

    Lams Lamina’s PVL On Tour journey lasted just one match—but it ended exactly the way she hoped.

     

    The No. 1 overall pick of the 2026 PVL Rookie Draft walked away from the preseason tournament with her first professional victory before immediately answering a bigger responsibility, as she joins the Alas Pilipinas Women training pool beginning Monday.

     

    The timing means Lamina will miss the remainder of the PVL On Tour, with league regulations preventing players who are actively involved in official national team preparations from participating in the preseason competition.

     

    Instead of continuing her rookie campaign with Galeries Tower, the young setter now shifts her attention to helping the national team prepare for a packed international calendar.

    Fortunately for the Highrisers, Lamina left on a high note.

     

    Coming off the bench against Farm Fresh, the former National University standout provided stability to Galeries Tower’s offense, finishing with seven excellent sets as the Highrisers secured a breakthrough four-set victory.

     

    It turned out to be a memorable send-off before temporarily exchanging club colors for the Philippine jersey once again.

     

    The move was confirmed shortly after the match by Galeries Tower and National University strength and conditioning coach Kim Bejo through social media.

     

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    “First and last game for Lamina today before she joins the national team on loan starting Monday,” Bejo wrote.

     

    Her return to the national team was also welcomed by one of her closest former teammates.

    Alas Pilipinas standout Bella Belen, who won multiple championships alongside Lamina at National University, greeted the rookie setter as she prepared to report for duty.

     

    “Congrats and see [you] on Monday,” Belen posted.

     

    Lamina’s arrival gives Alas Pilipinas another talented option at setter as preparations intensify for a busy stretch of international competitions, including the Southeast Asian V. Cup and the 2026 Asian Games.

     

    She joins an experienced playmaking group headlined by national team captain Jia de Guzman and Akari setter Mars Alba, adding another young talent expected to contribute to the team’s long-term future.

     

    For Lamina, the transition reflects how quickly her volleyball career continues to evolve.

     

    Only days after beginning her professional journey with Galeries Tower, she is once again wearing national colors, balancing the early stages of her PVL career with the opportunity to represent the Philippines on the international stage.

     

    While her PVL On Tour stint has been put on hold after just one appearance, the rookie setter now faces an even bigger challenge as she helps Alas Pilipinas prepare for another crucial year of international competition.

     

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  • Lams Lamina and Julia Coronel give Galeries Tower a good problem at setter 

    Lams Lamina and Julia Coronel give Galeries Tower a good problem at setter 

    For years, Galeries Tower searched for the pieces that could elevate the franchise from hopeful contender to legitimate threat. Now, after selecting Lams Lamina with the first overall pick in the 2026 PVL Rookie Draft, the Highrisers may have stumbled upon a different kind of challenge — having too many capable hands running the offense.

     

    Most teams enter a season worrying about who will fill the setter position. Galeries Tower enters this one wondering how to divide it.

     

    The arrival of Lamina instantly strengthens what was already one of the team’s most stable positions. The former National University star brings championship experience, elite decision-making, and a winning culture forged during the Lady Bulldogs’ dynastic run in the UAAP.

     

    Yet the rookie is stepping into a team that already has a proven floor general in Julia Coronel.

     

    Since being selected third overall in the 2024 PVL Draft, Coronel has steadily grown into one of the franchise’s most important building blocks. Her ability to orchestrate the offense helped Galeries Tower take meaningful strides in recent seasons, making her emergence one of the club’s biggest success stories.

     

    Rather than viewing Lamina’s arrival as a threat, however, Coronel sees it as another opportunity for the team to evolve.

     

    “We have a very talented set of spikers din naman and obviously right now, we really need more help in terms of, I would say, also playmaking,” Coronel said.

     

    “I’m very excited to see our dynamic moving forward; kung paano kami magtutulungan, knowing the set of skills and talents that we already have in the team. That is something that we will have to see pa moving forward in practice on how the coaches will be able to instill new systems with our new additions to the team.”

     

    The situation becomes even more intriguing considering that Coronel and Lamina already share a history through Alas Pilipinas, where both earned opportunities to quarterback the national team’s offense. Instead of competing across the net, they now find themselves working toward the same objective.

     

    For head coach Aying Esteban, though, the decision to draft Lamina was never about creating a controversy.

     

    It was about creating security.

     

    In a position where injuries, fatigue, or unexpected circumstances can drastically alter a season, Esteban viewed depth as a necessity rather than a luxury. 

     

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    “Sa posisyon namin, hindi kami pwedeng sumugal na dalawa lang ‘yung setters namin. Hindi namin alam kung ano ‘yung pwedeng mangyari minsan. At least, may pang-fill in pa rin kami at makukumpleto ‘yung lineup namin, at sa roster namin ay magiging ok pa rin kami,” he said.

     

    That mindset has suddenly transformed Galeries Tower into one of the deepest teams at the setter position, especially with veteran Maji Mangulabnan also remaining in the mix.

     

    For Lamina, meanwhile, the focus is not on claiming a starting spot immediately but on proving she belongs.

     

    The former Lady Bulldog arrives carrying the expectations that come with being a No. 1 overall pick, yet she remains intent on bringing the same habits that helped make NU a perennial champion.

     

    “Healthy competition po ‘yun sa amin ng mga ates ko. Ako, as a rookie, ipapakita ko lang po talaga ‘yung best ko, kung ano po mga natutunan ko sa NU ay bibit ko talaga sa team at maishe-share ko rin po sa mga ates ko,” she said.

     

    “Rookie pa lang po ako dito sa PVL, pero same naman po na I will work professionally, with my 100-percent effort, discipline, and work ethic ko po.”

     

    Whether Lamina ultimately wins the starting role is a question that may take weeks or even months to answer.

     

    What is already clear, however, is that Galeries Tower’s biggest gain from draft night may not have been landing the top overall pick itself.

     

    It may have been creating a setter room strong enough to shape the franchise’s future for years to come. 

     

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  • PVL Draft headlined by Detdet Pepito and Lams Lamina as 38 prospects prepare for selection night 

    PVL Draft headlined by Detdet Pepito and Lams Lamina as 38 prospects prepare for selection night 

    The Premier Volleyball League Draft is set to take center stage on Wednesday at Novotel Manila, with 38 hopefuls ready to hear their names called in what has become one of the most unpredictable draft classes in recent years. 


    What initially looked like an expected selection order has shifted dramatically following the withdrawals of Alyssa Solomon and Nina Ytang, opening the door for a deeper and more competitive talent pool.

     

    At the forefront of this year’s class are two of the most decorated collegiate players in recent UAAP seasons—National University’s two-time Best Setter Camilla Lamina and University of Santo Tomas’ two-time Best Libero Bernadett Pepito. 

     

    Their presence at the top immediately sets a tone of balance between playmaking precision and defensive excellence, two roles that often define long-term success in the professional game.

     

    With Galeries Tower holding the No. 1 overall pick after winning the draft lottery on May 25, followed by Capital1, Choco Mucho, and Akari, the early selections are expected to shape the league’s next competitive cycle.

     

    Beyond the headline names, attention has also shifted toward prospects who elevated their stock through the Draft Combine. 

     

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    Adamson’s Barbie Jamili stood out with top marks in the 10-meter sprint (1.759 seconds), pro agility 5-10-5 test (5.109 seconds), and hop test reactive strength index (3.36 meters per second), showcasing elite athletic explosiveness that could translate immediately at the professional level.

     

    University of the East’s Khy Cepada also delivered a strong all-around performance, finishing second in the 10-meter sprint (1.776 seconds) and countermovement jump (44.7 centimeters), while placing third in the pro agility test (5.133 seconds) and ranking consistently across other athletic benchmarks including hop test and approach jump metrics. These numbers have positioned both players as potential impact selections depending on team needs in the middle rounds.

     

    However, not all draft stories will unfold on stage. Far Eastern University’s Tin Ubaldo will skip the ceremony as she remains with the Alas Pilipinas Women pool preparing for international duty in the 2026 AVC Women’s Cup in Candon City, highlighting how national team commitments continue to intersect with professional league pathways.

     

    The final draft pool reflects the depth of UAAP volleyball talent across multiple programs, including UST’s Jonna Perdido and Xyza Gula; UP’s Irah Jaboneta, Joan Monares, Heart Magsombol, and Jum Gayo; FEU’s Ann Asis and Florize Papa; De La Salle University’s Ela Raagas, Michelle Beterina, and Sophia Sindayen; UE’s Tin Ecalla and Kayce Balingit; Adamson’s Barbie Jamili; and Ateneo’s Taks Fujimoto. Adding an international dimension is Cal State Dominguez Hills’ Jade Fuentes, the lone Filipino-foreign applicant in this year’s class.

     

    Players who opted out of this year’s draft face a delayed professional entry, as league rules require reapplication in the next cycle. Since they did not participate in the draft proper, they will not be classified as free agents, reinforcing the PVL’s structured transition system from collegiate to professional play under Games and Amusements Board regulations.

     

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  • “I still haven’t proven anything yet in the pros”: NU standout Lams Lamina embraces PVL challenge

    “I still haven’t proven anything yet in the pros”: NU standout Lams Lamina embraces PVL challenge

    After years of dominance in the collegiate ranks, National University standout Lams Lamina is finally set to take the leap to the professional stage.

     

    The decorated setter officially declared for the upcoming Premier Volleyball League Rookie Draft, immediately emerging as one of the most highly anticipated prospects in this year’s class. Widely projected as a potential Top 2 selection, Lamina enters the pros carrying not only an impressive résumé but also the expectations that come with being one of the most accomplished setters in recent UAAP history.

     

    For Lamina, however, the transition is about more than draft projections and accolades. It marks the beginning of an entirely new chapter after spending over a decade representing National University.

     

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    “Honestly, it still hasn’t fully sunk in that this is really happening. That I’m now entering a different world, the pro level, adult life. I came from a school where I spent 11 years with my teammates. That had basically been my whole life since Grade 7. So right now, I’m just really looking forward to finally playing for a professional team,” Lamina said in a media interaction.

     

    Lamina leaves behind a legacy that will be difficult to match. As the chief playmaker of the NU Lady Bulldogs, she orchestrated one of the most successful eras in the program’s history, guiding the team to three UAAP championships and five consecutive Finals appearances. Her elite court vision, composure under pressure, and leadership made her one of the most reliable setters in collegiate volleyball, earning her two UAAP Best Setter awards along the way.

    More than the statistics and trophies, Lamina became the steady heartbeat of a dynasty program that consistently competed at the highest level. Her ability to distribute the ball effectively and elevate the play of her teammates turned NU into a perennial contender during her stay.

     

    Now, the 24-year-old faces a fresh challenge in the PVL, where the competition becomes faster, stronger, and far more unforgiving. Yet despite the pressure surrounding her entry into the professional ranks, Lamina remains grounded and eager to continue developing her game.

     

    “I think my ceiling is still really high because I still haven’t proven anything yet in the pros. Personally, that’s my goal, to prove to myself again that I can reach my dreams and become even better. There will definitely be a lot of challenges, pressure, and expectations. At the same time, I know I will learn so much, especially from the veteran players I will get to compete against. Hopefully, I can learn a lot from them,” she added.

     

    Her arrival in the PVL also sets the stage for intriguing new rivalries and reunions. Lamina is expected to face several fellow UAAP stars at the next level, including former NU teammate Alyssa Solomon, while also competing against some of the country’s top professional volleyball players.

     

    Despite the comparisons already being made between her and established PVL setters, Lamina is choosing to focus solely on her own journey and growth.

     

    “I don’t really focus on comparing myself to them because we all have our own path and journey. I just want to focus on myself and make the most of whatever opportunity I get to show my game here in the pros. I think I will just keep doing what I did in the UAAP. The love I have for volleyball and the way I always give my 100 percent effort – that’s the same mindset I will bring into the pros,” she concluded.

     

    As the PVL Rookie Draft approaches, Lamina’s transition from collegiate superstar to professional playmaker will undoubtedly be one of the league’s biggest storylines. While her UAAP chapter has already cemented her status as an NU legend, the next phase of her volleyball journey may ultimately define just how far her talent can take her.

     

     

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