Alyssa Solomon wants to build more confidence as NU finds rhythm

NU Lady Bulldogs’ Alyssa Solomon during a game against the UST Tigresses in the second round of the UAAP Season 86 women’s volleyball tournament.–MARLO CUETO/INQUIRER.net

MANILA, Philippines — Alyssa Solomon remains laser-sharp focused on helping National University reach its ultimate goal of reclaiming the crown in the UAAP Season 86 women’s volleyball tournament.

Last season, the NU’s 20-game winning streak ended at the hands of Eya Laure and the University of Santo Tomas Tigresses before the Lady Bulldogs were dethroned by La Salle, led by rookie MVP Angel Canino, with a two-game sweep in the Finals.

This year, NU opened the season with a straight-set loss to UST. But Solomon and the Lady Bulldogs made sure to get back at the Tigresses in the second round, handing the latter’s first defeat of the season on Sunday night after winning eight straight games.

“Siguro nung first round, kapaan pa since wala kaming idea kung ano yung igagalaw nung UST. Siguro nung game na yun, nagkagulatan lang. And mas ginusto rin nila na manalo nung time na yun. And yung galaw nila, parang ayaw talaga nila magpatalo kaya deserve talaga nila ‘yung panalo,” said Solomon after scoring 17 points.

SCHEDULE: UAAP Season 86 volleyball second round

Solomon formed a potent trio with Bella Belen and Vange Alinsug, showing their trust in each other to put a dent in UST’s shining armor.

“Every time na papalo silang dalawa sinasabihan lagi namin na sige pumalo ka lang diyan, magko-cover kami sa likod. Lagi naming nire-remind na may taong nakasuporta sa likod na kahit anong block sayo, maaangat at maaangat yun,” she said.

NU Lady Bulldogs’ Alyysa Solomon.–MARLO CUETO/INQUIRER.net

And after several games, the Lady Bulldogs are keeping themselves motivated to regain the glory they lost last year.

“Yung mindset ko sa goal namin, mas naging clear pa na maabot yung gusto naming maabot, yung sine-set naming goal para sa sarili namin and para na rin sa team,” said Solomon, who remains eager to improve her in-game confidence. 

“Personally, ‘ung sarili ko muna na confidence inuunti-unti ko and binibigyan ko lang ng patience yung sarili ko para maabot yun and [makatulong] sa team din.”

The grind doesn’t stop for Solomon and the Lady Bulldogs as they face the University of the East Lady Warriors on April 3 at Mall of Asia Arena after the Holy Week break.

“Respect talaga sa kalaban yung maglalarong big role sa bawat panalo and pag-aaralan namin kung paano sila gumalaw, bawat player, tulad nga nung ginagawa namin past games namin,” she said.