UAAP: After first loss, NU back to old self and winning ways

NU Lady Bulldogs against FEU Lady Tamaraws in UAAP Season 87.–UAAP PHOTO

MANILA, Philippines — Alyssa Solomon and National University took their first defeat as a wake-up call in their UAAP Season 87 women’s volleyball title repeat bid.

Licking the wounds of their five-set loss to the University of the Philippines last Wednesday, Solomon poured in 30 points to bring back their winning ways at the expense of Far Eastern University in four sets on Sunday at Smart Araneta Coliseum.

“We told ourselves that we needed to take control early because if they get a big lead, we’d be the ones struggling. So, in the fourth set, we reminded each other that we need to get a good lead to make the game easier for us,” said Solomon in Filipino.

READ: UAAP: Alyssa Solomon powers NU bounce-back win over FEU

Alyssa Solomon and Lams Lamina on regaining their winning ways. #UAAPSeason87 @INQUIRERSports pic.twitter.com/6vAPnsuZUI

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“I think it was our floor defense. That’s what we really noticed we were lacking. In this game, we focused on that, and you could see how much better we were at it. We were also quick to make adjustments today compared to the UP game.”

Lams Lamina orchestrated NU’s balanced attack with 30 excellent sets, needing to address their lapses last game, especially against a contender in FEU.

“FEU is really tough to play against, from defense to offense. For me, it’s all about our grit and mindset when playing every game,” said Lamina.

READ: UAAP: Bella Belen says NU loss could be ‘blessing in disguise’

“The first ball is really important. We really need to work on that, and we made sure to apply it in today’s game.”

NU seeks to tighten its grip on first place against Adamson on Sunday at the same venue.

“It’s always one game at a time. The Adamson game is really important for us because our goal is to get the twice-to-beat advantage. We need to secure that number 1 spot to make things easier for us in the semis,” said Solomon.