Part of Alas wishlist, NU core ‘ready for next step’
NU Lady Bulldogs in the second round of the UAAP Season 87 women’s volleyball tournament.–UAAP PHOTO
MANILA, Philippines — Having five players on the Alas Pilipinas 33-woman wishlist proves the National University program’s dominance in the current era of Philippine volleyball.
Among the 33 invited players from the PVL and UAAP are five Lady Bulldogs including current Alas members Bella Belen, Alyssa Solomon, and Arah Panique as well as setter Lams Lamina and Vange Alinsug.
Although their focus is on their title-retention bid in the UAAP Season 87 women’s volleyball tournament, Solomon is happy that their program continues to reap the fruit of their winning tradition from high school to college and now the national team level.
READ: UAAP: Alyssa Solomon powers NU bounce-back win over FEU
Lams Lamina and Alyssa Solomon on being part of Alas Pilipinas wishlist. #UAAPSeason87 @INQUIRERSports pic.twitter.com/gh9SsjWC3U
— Lance Agcaoili (@LanceAgcaoilINQ) March 30, 2025
“Since high school, we’ve been trained to compete at a high level. Now, we’re being challenged in the seniors division, so we’re ready for the next step,” said Solomon after unleashing 30 points in NU’s bounce-back 25-22, 24-26, 26-24, 25-18 win over Far Eastern University on Sunday at Smart Araneta Coliseum.
“I’m really happy because the core of the team is there, and we’ll all be challenged in our positions. We’ll be fighting for our spots, and that will make us all better.”
Solomon, a two-time SEA V.League Best Opposite Spiker, is eager to represent the country anew when she fights for a spot with Tots Carlos, Faith Nisperos, Eli Soyud, and Shevana Laput.
“I’m really happy to be back at Alas. I’m excited to gain more experience in international leagues because the competition there is on another level,” said the Season 86 Finals MVP.
READ: UAAP: Brooke Van Sickle, Shaina Nitura lead Alas Pilipinas wishlist
For Lamina, the former UAAP Season 84 Best Setter is excited to learn from her fellow playmakers Jia De Guzman, Mars Alba, Julia Coronel, and Tia Andaya.
“I was really surprised. I didn’t expect to be part of the wishlist, but I’m thankful because I think they saw potential in me and invited me to the tryout. I’ll definitely give my best every day,” said Lamina. “I’m really excited! Being on the wishlist is one thing, but I also think I’ll learn a lot from the other setters. I’m just really grateful to be part of the wishlist. Excited to work with Ate Jia!”
With NU seeking a title defense this year before its core graduates, Alas will play in three international competitions this year in the AVC Challenge Cup, SEA V.League, and the 33rd Southeast Asian Games.
