After struggling to find her rhythm in the semifinals, Alyssa Solomon found her groove at the perfect moment, guiding National University to a straight-set victory over University of Sto. Tomas in Game 1 of the UAAP Season 86 Women’s Volleyball Tournament Finals on Saturday.
Solomon matched her combined total in two games against Far Eastern University and finished with a game-high 17 points: 14 attacks and three blocks.
She also had eight excellent receptions in the 25-23, 25-20, 25-20 victory over the Golden Tigresses at the Smart Araneta Coliseum.
“Siguro sa training ko, ginawa ‘yung mga lapses na kailangan ko i-improve. Sa training pa lang, binibigyan ko na agad ‘yung sarili ko ng kumpiyansa na babawi ako. St alam ko din naman na nandyan ‘yung teammates ko para suportahan ako sa pag-gain ng confidence,” said Solomon.
Lady Bulldogs head coach Norman Miguel revealed that Solomon, as well as Vange Alinsug, have been experiencing pain in their knees over the past week.
“Kasi itong week ng training namin, bago itong laro, medyo may nararamdaman silang sakit sa tuhod. Actually, pati si Vangie. Medyo inalalayan namin sila,” said Miguel.
“Pusuan na lang talaga tutal andito na kami eh. We’re given this opportunity na to. Alam naman namin ‘yung character ng mga bata na ‘yan. Kahit may iniinda, lalaban at lalaban,” he added.
The 6-foot-1 opposite hitter admitted that she felt pain during their Game 1 victory. Still, she said that she is focusing on strengthening her knee to avoid a possible posterior cruciate ligament injury.
(C) Joaqui Flores/UAAP Season 86 Media Team
“’Di pa sigurado kung PCL pero okay naman na, nagse-strengthening naman ako ‘yun lang naman ‘yung kailangan. Para mapalakas and para hindi matuluyan. ‘Wag naman sana,” said Solomon.
“May mga pagkakataon na nararamdaman ko pero nawawala din naman agad, konting pain lang talaga, eventually nawawala,” she added.
Solomon vowed to give everything as she looks to help NU close out UST in Game 2 on Wednesday at the SM Mall of Asia Arena.
“Siguro more on mindset. Kung paano mo i-set ‘yung mind sa darating na laro. It’s either papayag ka ba na ma-scout ka nila o mabasa ka nila, o dun ka sa point na hindi, hindi ako papayag na ma-scout ako, lalaban ako. It’s all about the mindset.”
