Alyssa Solomon, NU set sights on reclaiming UAAP crown

Alyssa Solomon, left, and the rest of the NU Lady Bulldogs try to stop UST’s Angeline Poyos in the Super League Finals.–SSL PHOTO

MANILA, Philippines — After completing another perfect Shakey’s Super League (SSL) Preseason Championship campaign, Alyssa Solomon shifts her focus to National University’s ultimate goal: reclaiming the UAAP women’s volleyball crown in next year’s Season 86.

“This is the start of the UAAP. The start [of our journey] to reclaim what we want to have,” said Solomon in Filipino after winning her second SSL MVP and championship.

Despite completing a 10-game sweep in the Super League, the 21-year-old opposite spiker said the Lady Bulldogs are not resting on their laurels, knowing that ruling the SSL in dominant fashion doesn’t translate to success in the UAAP.

NU also swept its way to the SSL title last year but lost to La Salle in the UAAP Season 85 Finals last May.

NU Lady Bulldogs.–SSL PHOTO

“[Expect a] better NU. That’s what we can promise right now because we still have a lot of lapses to address after playing in the preseason. We have to continue working hard,” she said.

Solomon, now a two-time SSL MVP, said the team’s character was tested by UST’s gallant stand in their finals series, seeking to use this experience to become a better squad.

“We were rattled and overthinking when UST forced long rallies. Good thing,  We were able to overcome those situations by keeping ourselves composed,” Solomon said.

Raring to reclaim the crown, Solomon remains patient on their journey to their UAAP title-redemption bid, looking to take one step at a time.

“We will take it one game at a time. We have to focus first in practice. We have to be better and give our 100 percent then everything will follow,” she said.