NU Lady Bulldogs head coach under fire as fans demand Camilla Lamina return amid UAAP Season 88 struggles

As the UAAP Season 88 women’s volleyball tournament continues, defending champion National University Lady Bulldogs are facing a more turbulent path than expected after a second‑round defeat to the FEU Lady Tamaraws. 

The loss at the Smart Araneta Coliseum sparked a wave of frustration among Lady Bulldogs supporters, who loudly called for veteran setter Camilla Lamina to be given more playing time. 

A viral video on social media captured fans inside the arena expressing their displeasure, chanting for Lamina’s insertion and leveling harsh remarks toward the coaching staff.

NU’s head coach, Regine Diego has drawn criticism from some sections of the fanbase for opting to keep Lamina on the bench in favor of sophomore Abegail Pono as the team’s starting setter. 

The decision has been controversial given Lamina’s pedigree who is a two‑time UAAP Best Setter (Seasons 84 and 87) whose numbers have dipped to 1.68 average sets per game this season from 5.34 during their 2025 championship run. 

Lamina, standing at 5‑foot‑7 has started just three of NU’s nine matches so far, managing double‑digit production only twice this year.

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NU’s recent struggles are also a product of roster changes entering Season 88. The Lady Bulldogs, historically one of the UAAP’s most successful programs with five overall championships, have seen several core players graduate after a dominant stretch that included a back‑to‑back title in Season 87 and multiple finals appearances in recent years. 

Adding fuel to the clamor, Lamina has battled minor injuries this season — including an index finger issue that occasionally limited her availability — which may have influenced the coaching staff’s cautious approach. 

Rather than a simple benching, observers say the move could be aimed at managing her health and preserving her effectiveness throughout the grueling UAAP schedule. 

Fans, however, remain unconvinced, insisting that NU needs Lamina’s championship experience now more than ever if they are to retain positioning near the top of the standings.

The Lady Bulldogs have shown flashes of resilience despite setbacks. After suffering earlier losses this season, supporters are still calling for clearer adjustments as NU prepares to face the Ateneo Lady Eagles on Saturday, March 28, at the UST Quadricentennial Pavilion, a crucial match that could shape their Final Four hopes. 

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