Alyssa Solomon’s absence from the starting lineup was a glaring setback for the National University Lady Bulldogs, as the 6-foot-2 spiker was sidelined due to a mild left ankle sprain ahead of their match against the Adamson Lady Falcons.
After a dominant 30-point performance in NU’s previous win over Far Eastern University, Solomon twisted her ankle during the team’s training session the day before, leaving the Lady Bulldogs without their usual spark.
Adamson, led by a scorching 32-point effort from Shaina Nitura, capitalized on the opportunity, pulling off a stunning four-set victory.
Despite having to watch the Final Four-bound Lady Bulldogs suffer their second defeat in nine outings, the Season 86 Finals MVP expressed pride in the steady performance of opposite hitter Arah Panique, who started in place of Solomon.
Panique tallied 10 points on six attacks, two blocks, and two aces in her first start of Season 87.
(C) UAAP Season 87 Media Team
“Ako, very proud ako kay Arah kasi nakita ko kung paano niya inembrace yung role na binigay sa kanya,” Solomon said of Panique.
“Kinapos lang talaga yung team pero sa susunod, makukuha rin namin ‘yon.”
Although the result had no bearing on NU’s Final Four bid — since they had already secured the first Final Four ticket in the eight-team field after FEU’s four-set win over University of the Philippines earlier in the day — Solomon expressed regret at not being able to provide the spark the Lady Bulldogs missed in the match.
This feeling may linger in the following days, but Solomon remains confident in NU’s depth and believes the team has the core to step up in her absence, especially with her timetable still uncertain ahead of the Lady Bulldogs’ clash against the winless University of the East Lady Warriors on Wednesday, April 9, at the Philsports Arena in Pasig.
“Ngayon, medyo sad kasi hindi ako nakapag-contribute sa team pero alam ko naman na kayang kaya ng team. Alam ko lahat sila magse-step up at may tiwala ako sa team namin,” Solomon shared.
“Ngayon, hindi pa siya medyo okay, pero hopefully tomorrow magkaroon ako ng check-up sa doctor. Let’s see.”
#WATCH: Alyssa Solomon shares there’s still no timetable for her return to NU 🏐
📹 @ernesttuazon /Tiebreaker Times#UAAPSeason87 pic.twitter.com/KoaDtj9lPn
— Tiebreaker Times (@tiebreakertimes) April 6, 2025
