Lamina a steady playmaker as Lady Bulldogs had Tigresses' number anew

MANILA, Philippines — Easy to point out how the NU Lady Bulldogs' hitters keyed the defending champs' 23-25, 25-17, 19-25, 25-18, 15-9 win over the UST Golden Tigresses at the Smart Araneta Coliseum on Sunday in the UAAP Season 87 women's volleyball tournament.

Of course, Alyssa Solomon, Vangie Alinsug, and reigning MVP Bella Belen did their usual thing but what made them work was the steady and balanced playmaking of setter Lams Lamina, who tossed 33 excellent sets for NU which beat UST for the fourth straight time dating back to second round of last season.

Lamina, the Season 84 Best Setter, said NU's passing and spikers gave her the confidence to do her job which proved to be better than last year's Best Setter in UST's Cassie Carballo who had 27 excellent sets.

"I also had a hard time because it was a really tough match earlier. But I think our passing helped, and my spikers really helped me regain my confidence. We all gave each other confidence," said Lamina.

"For me, I'll just keep improving out of respect for Cassie because she's such a great setter and even got Best Setter last season."

Lamina's playmaking had four Lady Bulldogs breaching double digit scoring with Solomon topscoring with 24 points on 21 attacks and three blocks for NU which swept the first round at 7-0.

Solomon added seven digs to her name while Alinsug notched 16 points, 10 digs, and seven receptions.

Belen pumped 19 points laced with 17 digs and 15 receptions while Erin Pangilinan rounded out the double digits scorers for NU with 12 markers.