UAAP: NU’s Lamina, UST’s Carballo deliver in latest duel
NU’s Lams Lamina, left, and UST’s Cassie Carballo, right, had another thrilling duel in UAAP Seaosn 87 women’s volleyball tournament.–MARLO CUETO/INQUIRER.net
MANILA, Philippines — One of the key matchups during National University and University of Santo Tomas’ thrilling finals rematch on Sunday was the clash between the UAAP’s best setters Lams Lamina and Cassie Carballo.
Lamina outdueled Carballo in their chess match, dishing out a career-high 33 excellent sets as the Lady Bulldogs survived the Golden Tigresses’ 23-25, 25-17, 19-25, 25-18, 15-9, to end the first round of the UAAP Season 87 women’s volleyball tournament in front of 12,790 fans at Smart Araneta Coliseum.
“I think for me, I always do my best out of respect for Cassie every time we play against each other because she’s such a great setter and even won Best Setter last season,” said Lamina in Filipino after helping NU complete a first-round sweep.
READ: UAAP: NU survives UST to sweep women’s volleyball first round
Lams Lamina on facing Cassie Carballo anew. #UAAPSeason87 @INQUIRERSports pic.twitter.com/JUBMm1CilP
— Lance Agcaoili (@LanceAgcaoilINQ) March 16, 2025
Lamina, a Season 84 Best Setter and two-time champion, credited their come-from-behind win to the trust of her spikers and steady passing, making the job easier for her in orchestrating their offense.
“Personally, it was really tough for me because it was such a good match earlier. But I think our passing helped, and my spikers really helped me regain my confidence. We really gave each other confidence,” she said.
Carballo, the reigning best setter, had an unusual 10-point game aside from pacing her team with 27 excellent sets, saying she just tried to find ways to dump the ball whenever she’s in the frontline.
The third-year Tigress also enjoyed her rivalry game with Lamina and the Lady Bulldogs.
“I’m always really excited when NU is the opponent because it’s a rivalry match, and everyone’s friends off the court,” she said.
READ: UAAP: Lams Lamina’s composure, leadership help NU stay perfect
UST setter Cassie Carballo after scoring 10 points. #UAAPSeason87 @INQUIRERSports pic.twitter.com/SMy1TvqHWF
— Lance Agcaoili (@LanceAgcaoilINQ) March 16, 2025
Lamina wants the Lady Bulldogs to stay hungry in their title-retention bid.
“For me, we just shouldn’t be complacent, and we need to keep our mindset focused on our goal,” Lamina said.
Carballo, on the other hand, said UST needs to work on its lapses after ending the first round with a 5-2 record.
“I’m happy with our performance, although there’s still a lot we need to polish, especially our in-game adjustments against NU. That’s something we didn’t get right away. Also, credit to their serves because, as Coach Ian [Fernandez] said, their tactical serves were something we struggled with,” Carballo said.
Carballo and Lamina clash anew on Saturday as NU and UST open their second-round campaigns at Mall of Asia Arena.
