Alyssa Solomon’s first taste of victory in the 33rd Southeast Asian Games was one she won’t soon forget.
After a tough straight-set loss to Thailand in their opener, Solomon made her first SEA Games win count. She helped Alas Pilipinas Women bounce back with a commanding sweep of Singapore, 25-13, 25-8, 25-18, to secure their spot in the semifinals on Friday at the Indoor Stadium Huamark in Bangkok.
“Syempre po sobrang memorable nito kasi ayun nga, first-ever SEA Games ko and ayun, pasok din kami sa semis,” the 6-foot-2 opposite spiker said after the win.
Thrust into a do-or-die matchup against Singapore, Solomon said the team’s eagerness and urgency sharpened after the loss to Thailand. And it showed as they powered through the first two sets before fending off a tight third set to clinch the semifinals berth.
The Osaka Marvelous winger added that the loss to the Thais highlighted areas they still need to improve on, but also served as the spark that fueled their momentum-boosting victory over Singapore.
(C) SAVA Volleyball
“Siguro yung eagerness namin manalo sa game namin ngayon, lalo na hindi naging maayos yung naging result yesterday. Hindi yun yung gusto naming result and ayun, ngayon po namin binawi yung sa laro kahapon,” said the three-time UAAP champion.
Even with the win, Solomon stressed that the team still needs to work on their on-court communication, as many balls went unclaimed — either because players hesitated or failed to coordinate effectively.
“Siguro yung ano, yung chemistry pa. Yun yung napansin kong kulang rin samin pero iwo-work talaga namin yun day-by-day po. Kasi parang, like kanina, nagkaka-ilangan pa kung sino yung kukuha ng bola,” she added.
Now standing between the Philippines and their first SEA Games medal in 20 years is regional powerhouse Vietnam, a team they have faced multiple times in various international tournaments.
Solomon vowed that the team will prepare thoroughly and come out ready, determined to ensure that her first SEA Games win would not be her last — and to finally secure a long-awaited medal for the country.
“Siguro po (since) ilang beses narin po namin sila nakakalaban. Though, iba yung roster nila ngayon eh, nag-iba sila ng roster. pero, alam namin na paghahandaan talaga namin sila,” Solomon said.
“So, ayun, looking forward talaga na makapag-uwi ng medal sa bansa.”
