Before officially launching her professional volleyball career, former National University standout Alyssa Solomon is locked in on her national team duties with Alas Pilipinas Women as they gear up for the 2025 AVC Women’s Nations Cup on Saturday, June 7, in Hanoi, Vietnam.
Just moments after helping the Lady Bulldogs secure back-to-back titles in the UAAP Season 87 Women’s Volleyball Tournament last May 14, Solomon — who finished seventh in scoring in the league with 231 points — openly expressed her desire to explore opportunities overseas.
That ambition became even more apparent when the Season 86 Finals MVP opted to skip the 2025 Premier Volleyball League Draft. This decision allows Solomon to fully concentrate on helping Alas Pilipinas, which is bracketed in Pool B alongside Kazakhstan, Iran, Indonesia, Mongolia, and New Zealand.
“First, focus lang muna talaga ako sa Alas, especially sa kung ano pwede ko ma-contribute sa team,” Solomon said during NU’s Season 87 Victory Party held Monday evening.
Fresh off a two-week break following NU’s championship run, the 23-year-old opposite spiker shared that she’s working to regain top form after rejoining the national team’s training sessions just last Saturday, May 31.
Supporting Solomon in the Alas Pilipinas lineup are Capital1 opposite hitter Leila Cruz, Season 87 Rookie of the Year Shaina Nitura, NU teammate and setter Lams Lamina, and FEU’s middle blocker Cla Loresco.
Rounding out the 16-woman pool are fellow NU star and three-time UAAP MVP Bella Belen, veterans Jia de Guzman, Dawn Catindig, Angel Canino, Vanie Gandler, Fifi Sharma, Thea Gagate, Eya Laure, Dell Palomata, Julia Coronel, and Jennifer Nierva.
“Yon lang muna, doon muna ako magfo-focus sa babalik kundisyon ko rin. Kung ano yung need nila, ‘yon ibibigay ko para sa bansa natin,” Solomon added.
(C) UAAP Season 87 Media Team
While she remains focused on Alas and her long-term goals abroad, Solomon also took the time to express heartfelt support for her fellow batchmates who are preparing to take their next step in the 2025 PVL Draft, happening on Sunday, June 8, at Novotel Manila.
Leading NU’s strong presence in the upcoming draft is the projected No. 1 pick Bella Belen, along with middle blockers Erin Pangilinan and Sheena Toring.
“Alam niyo naman na lagi ako nakasupporta sa lahat ng desisyon niyo sa buhay niyo. I’m so happy para sa inyo kasi ito na, real world na ito. Nandito na tayo. Enjoy lang natin yung buhay natin,” Solomon shared.
(C) UAAP Season 87 Media Team
As NU’s celebrated “Golden Generation” prepares to leave the collegiate stage, Solomon expressed full confidence in the new wave of Lady Bulldogs, which will be led by Lamina — who has chosen to stay for her final year of eligibility instead of joining her batchmates in the pro ranks.
Stepping into a leadership role without the familiar presence of her core teammates, Lamina will now lead a young but promising NU squad featuring Season 87 co-Finals MVPs Shaira Jardio and Vange Alinsug, along with Alexa Mata, Arah Panique, and Chammy Maaya.
Solomon offered words of encouragement to Lamina, emphasizing the importance of mental composure and self-belief as she carries the torch for NU’s winning tradition.
“Huwag ka masyado kabahan at mag-overthink para mailabas mo yung true potential mo every game. Lagi ka lang talaga magtitiwala sa sarili mo at lagi kami nandito ng mga seniors mo para sayo,” she said.
With reports from JP Manahan
