Alyssa Solomon paid tribute to her former coaches who enabled her to become the elite prospect that she is today, especially during the crucial stretches of the tournaments.
Solomon, a 22-year-old spiker, was named the UAAP Season 86 Finals Most Valuable Player after leading National University’s pounding of the University of Santo Tomas in two games.
The 6-foot-1 opposite spiker had a game for the ages in the clincher 25-23, 23-25, 27-25, 25-16 Game 2 win with 27 points on 20-of-37 attacks, four blocks, and three service aces as the Lady Bulldogs hoisted their second championship trophy in three seasons.
She also scored 17 points on 14 spikes and three denials in their 25-23, 25-20, 25-20 Game 1 win against the Golden Tigresses.
“Sobrang pasasalamat sa mga dating coach namin na nagbigay sa amin ng kakayahan na maging ganito kalakas, lalo na sa mga mahahalagang yugto ng mga torneo,” said Solomon.
“Yung hugot namin kanina galing sa mga dating coach namin na nagturo sa amin na magsikap mula umpisa hanggang wakas, 100 percent effort,” she added.
(C) Joaqui Flores/UAAP Season 86 Media Team
Solomon was part of a significant group that transitioned from the Nazareth School of National University to the collegiate ranks, including two-time MVP Bella Belen, Sheena Toring, Erin Pangilinan, Camilla Lamina, and Chams Maaya, among others.
They were coached by Babes Castillo and Regine Diego during their high school years, resulting in multiple titles. Meanwhile, Karl Dimaculangan, now an assistant coach in NU, led them to the collegiate title in Season 84.
Solomon, now a two-time Best Opposite Spiker, always led the charge in the Lady Bulldogs’ three straight Finals appearances, averaging 16.5 points in their Season 84 title run, 31.0 points in their Season 85 heartbreak against De La Salle, and 22.0 points this series.
“Siguro yung pagiging competitive ko ay lumalabas sa diwa na hindi ako papayag na ganyan lang ang ipakitang laro ng team ko, kailangan naming lumaban ng mas matindi,” said Solomon.
“Nakikita ko rin naman silang lumalaban para sa amin.”
Now, she decides what’s next for her already illustrious career: stay in National U or turn professional.
