UAAP: Alyssa Solomon closes NU chapter, open to PVL or overseas stints
HIGHLIGHTS: UAAP Season 87 volleyball Finals Game 2 – La Salle vs NU
NU Lady Bulldogs’ Alyssa Solomon during UAAP Season 87 women’s volleyball Finals Game 2 against La Salle Lady Spikers. –MARLO CUETO/INQUIRER.net
MANILA, Philippines —Alyssa Solomon capped off her collegiate career in style, helping National University clinch back-to-back UAAP titles and securing her third championship before turning professional.
Solomon dropped 13 points in NU’s 25-19, 25-18, 25-19 sweep of La Salle in Game 2 of the Season 87 women’s volleyball finals, sealing the title in front of 18,514 fans at the Mall of Asia Arena on Wednesday.
“We’re so happy because this was our goal since Season 85, to give NU a back-to-back championship. Now that we’ve finally done it, we’re incredibly grateful. Big thanks to the management for their constant support. We wouldn’t be here without them,” Solomon told reporters in Filipino.
With her collegiate journey complete, Solomon said she’s looking forward to some rest before returning to the national team fold with Alas Pilipinas. While she hasn’t finalized her next move, the standout opposite spiker has her eyes on the possibility of playing overseas.
READ: NU star Alyssa Solomon says UAAP Season 87 is her last
“Right now, I’m just really looking forward to getting some rest. If there are opportunities to play overseas, I’d definitely grab them for the experience, too,” said Solomon. “There’s also Alas coming up, so I’ll focus on that first… then we’ll see what’s next.”
NU Lady Bulldogs celebrate latest UAAP title after beating La Salle in a sweep in the Season 87 women’s volleyball finals. –MARLO CUETO/INQUIRER.net
Solomon, who needed to withdraw her name from the KOVO Draft to keep her amateur status in the middle of the season, is also not closing her door for the 2025 PVL Rookie Draft.
“I’m open to any opportunities, even in the PVL, even if it wasn’t my initial plan. But right now, I’m really focusing on rest and recovery. If something comes up, especially overseas. I’d love to grab that for the experience,” said the star opposite spiker.
Solomon, a two-time SEA V.League Best Opposite Spiker, is looking forward to representing the country as the national team period begins this month.
“I’ll be focusing on Alas Pilipinas. I’m excited for that new experience, especially since I’ll be with a different group. I’m sure I’ll learn even more from them,” she said.
“I’ll definitely need to strengthen my body since I’m leaving NU and adjusting to a new system. That’s what I’ll be preparing for next.”
Solomon, who spent seven years in NU’s system from high school through college, expressed deep gratitude for the journey and hopes to leave behind a lasting mindset for the next generation of Lady Bulldogs.
“I’ve learned so much in my seven years with NU, and I know I’ll carry all those lessons with me as I move into the next chapter of my life,” she said.
“If there’s one thing we want to leave behind as seniors, it’s the heart of a champion. We’ve been in the finals again and again, and I hope the younger players take that with them, how to play under pressure, how to fight,” said Solomon
