Alyssa Solomon vows to do more after strong Alas Pilipinas return

SCHEDULE: Alas Pilipinas at AVC Women’s Nations Cup 2026

Alyssa Solomon and Alas Pilipinas during a game vs Australia in the 2026 AVC Women’s Nations Cup in Candon. –MARLO CUETO/INQUIRER.net

CANDON CITY, Ilocos Sur —Despite being one of the youngest players on the roster, Alyssa Solomon has already built a wealth of international experience as part of last year’s AVC Women’s Cup silver medal-winning team and through her stint with Osaka Marvelous in Japan’s SV.League.

Solomon may have been a late addition to the new-look Alas Pilipinas squad, but she made an immediate impact with 23 points off the bench in a tough 22-25, 25-23, 25-18, 15-25, 11-15 loss to Australia on Sunday at Candon City Arena here.

As one of the younger yet more experienced players on the team, the 24-year-old is determined to contribute in any way she can to a roster made up of veterans and newcomers after several key members of the previous core opted not to compete this year.

“I just try to give my best in every game and contribute whatever I can to the team. More than anything, I want to provide support to the team in any way possible,” said Solomon in Filipino.

The Alyssas

Alyssa Solomon and Alyssa Valdez share their thoughts after a five-set loss to Australia. #AVCWomensCup | @LanceAgcaoilINQ pic.twitter.com/zJZxdtfw2K

— INQUIRER Sports (@inquirersports) June 7, 2026

The 6-foot-1 opposite spiker, who withdrew from the PVL Rookie Draft, said adjusting to the squad came naturally, having previously trained with Creamline under Alas assistant coach Sherwin Meneses when he was also handling National University.

“It wasn’t that difficult because I already knew some of the players. We also trained with Creamline before, so the adjustment wasn’t that hard,” said Solomon.

Australia coach Russell Borgeaud also praised Solomon for her exceptional talent.

Despite her strong return for Alas, the three-time UAAP champion remains focused on improving as the Philippines fights for a semifinal berth, with only the top two teams from Pool A advancing.

“Actually, I wasn’t satisfied with how I played, especially in the fourth set. I felt like I wasn’t able to contribute as much, and that’s something I really want to improve,” Solomon said.

Solomon remained optimistic despite the setback, with Alas facing a quick turnaround against Kyrgyzstan on Monday at 3 p.m.

“We’ll continue to improve since we’ve only been together for a few weeks. We’ll use this experience to strengthen our bond as a team and keep getting better in the games ahead,” she said.