Alyssa Solomon returned without missing a beat after being sidelined in National University’s last two games due to a minor left ankle sprain.
The 6-foot-2 opposite spiker made an immediate impact, delivering 11 points — seven in the opening frame — as the Lady Bulldogs made quick work of the Ateneo Blue Eagles, 25-16, 25-15, 25-21, on Sunday at the Smart Araneta Coliseum.
For the graduating Solomon, who previously announced that this season would be her final year with NU despite having one more year of eligibility, her return was a breath of relief following a tough stretch for the team.
Without their Finals MVP, NU went 1-1 — suffering a shocking four-set loss to Adamson University, 23-25, 25-15, 26-28, 22-25, before bouncing back with a sweep of the University of the East, 25-18, 25-22, 25-12.
“Siyempre, super excited na makasama sila ulit lalo na kanina sa game. Ayun, pinakita lang namin kung ano yung pinagti-trainingan namin nung mga nakaraang araw. Very happy ako na nakabalik po,” said the Santa Rosa, Laguna native.
(C) UAAP Season 87 Media Team
Solomon admitted she felt helpless watching from the sidelines during the loss to Adamson, where the Lady Bulldogs struggled to respond to the Lady Falcons’ intensity.
But the 23-year-old team leader and reigning Finals MVP made sure to help lift the team’s spirits right after.
“Tulad ng sabi niyo, super nauga kami nung game kasi napansin ko na siguro napunta sa amin yung pressure eh, imbis na sa kalaban, so parang hindi namin nabaliktad yung sitwasyon nung time na yun. After nun, wala na, okay na, move forward na agad, then trabaho ulit,” she shared.
Back in uniform and on the court, Solomon quickly helped NU recover from Ateneo’s early 10-5 start in the opening set, spearheading a 20-6 run with seven points that completely shifted the momentum in NU’s favor.
And she did that despite still feeling some discomfort in her left ankle.
“Okay naman po, nakakatalon and everything na. Kaso may times na sumasakit pa rin siya pero tolerable naman po,” she said.
With a two-week Holy Week break and their final elimination round game scheduled on April 27 against University of Santo Tomas, Solomon remains locked in on ending the regular season strong as NU looks to secure momentum heading into the Final Four, where they will hold a twice-to-beat advantage.
“Siguro yung sa two weeks na period na yun, pupuliduhin talaga namin yung galaw namin before facing UST, and ipapakita namin yung best namin sa labang yun. And ayun, very exciting,” she added.
#WATCH: Bella Belen, Lams Lamina, and Coach Sherwin Meneses share their joy as Alyssa Solomon finally made her return 🏐
📹 @justinvalencia_ /Tiebreaker Times#UAAPSeason87 pic.twitter.com/QcLwAR2uYQ
— Tiebreaker Times (@tiebreakertimes) April 13, 2025
