National University setter Camilla Lamina (left) and head coach Regine Diego (right) against Far Eastern University in UAAP Season 88 women’s voleyball. UAAP Media.MANILA — National University absorbed its second loss in its last three games in UAAP Season 88 women’s volleyball, with frustrations among supporters of the two-time defending champions continuing to grow as the campaign enters its crucial stages.
Calls for more playing time for senior playmaker Camilla “Lams” Lamina echoed throughout the Araneta Coliseum on Sunday as the Lady Bulldogs fell to Far Eastern University in a five-set thriller.
The blue-and-gold faithful chanted “La-mi-na!” as the match wore on, with the three-time UAAP champion setter once again coming off the bench and seeing limited action, finishing only with two excellent sets.
The clamor has only grown louder as Season 88 progressed, with Lamina starting in just three of National U’s nine games so far.
A two-time Best Setter (Seasons 84 and 87), Lamina has slipped to ninth in average sets per game. She is averaging just 1.68 this season after posting 5.34 during their championship run in 2025.
In Season 87, the Lady Bulldogs won eight straight matches before absorbing their first loss — a stark contrast to this year, where they have already dropped three.
National University setter Camilla Lamina (right) and head coach Regine Diego (left) against Far Eastern University in UAAP Season 88 women’s voleyball. UAAP Media.In addition, the 5-foot-7 Lamina has reached double digits in production only twice this year, while Abe Pono has overtaken her as the team’s top setter with an average of 3.30 per set — fifth-best in the league.
Lamina has recorded 19 excellent sets twice: first in their five-set win over FEU in the first round, and again in their earlier five-set loss to the University of the Philippines.
With only five games left in their campaign, the Lady Bulldogs still have time to make adjustments under head coach Regine Diego. For her part, Lamina said she remains focused on just making the most of every opportunity she gets.
“Since bagong role ko ito, ang sinasabi ko lang sa sarili ko na always ready lang ako kahit anong mangyari,” she said earlier this season when asked about the shift in her role.
National U returns to action on Saturday, March 28, against Ateneo de Manila University, 3:00 p.m., at the University of Santo Tomas Quadricentennial Pavilion.