CANDON, Ilocos Sur – Alyssa Solomon is determined to find greater consistency as Alas Pilipinas continues its campaign in the 2026 AVC Women’s Volleyball Cup, presented by the Philippine Sports Commission.
Solomon stepped up for the Philippines on Sunday, pouring in a game-high 23 points built on 22 attacks and one block in her tournament debut.
However, her effort was not enough as the host nation failed to sustain its momentum and eventually ran out of gas against Australia in a grueling five-set defeat, 22-25, 25-23, 25-18, 15-25, 11-15, at the Candon City Arena here.
“Actually, ‘di ako nakontento sa naging game ko kanina, lalo na ’yung fourth set ata. Parang ‘di na ako gano’n naka-contribute, so parang ‘yun talaga ‘yung gusto kong i-improve pa,” said the 6-foot-1 opposite spiker.
Solomon sat out the Philippines’ opening-day 25-16, 25-12, 25-14 victory over Uzbekistan last Saturday in the tournament co-presented by the FIVB, AVC, Volleyball World, and Candon City led by Mayor Eric Singson, as she continued to integrate into the team.
The former Osaka import made her first appearance against Australia, checking in during the opening set as Alas Pilipinas searched for an immediate spark off the bench.
While she delivered a strong performance, Solomon admitted that she is still working her way back to peak form as she continues to regain her rhythm and consistency.
“Proud pa rin ako sa nangyari, kasi maraming learnings na nakuha sa game na ‘to. And mag-i-improve pa rin naman kami since ilang weeks pa lang naman kami magkakasama so gagawin din namin ‘to as team bond, and mag-i-improve lang kami for the next games,” she said.
Despite having limited preparation time with the national team, Solomon said her transition has been smooth, largely because she was already familiar with many of her teammates.
“Actually, ‘di naman siya naging mahirap since kilala ko naman ‘yung iba, and Creamline naman, and naki-training din naman kami sa Creamline dati. Hindi siya gano’n kahirap,” said Solomon, who joined the squad less than a week before the continental tournament.
The former National University star is one of only two holdovers from the previous Alas Pilipinas roster, alongside Thea Gagate, after the rest of the core group begged off amid internal issues within the now-suspended Philippine National Volleyball Federation.
Looking ahead, Solomon vowed to continue giving her best as Alas Pilipinas seeks to build on its progress and produce stronger performances in its remaining matches.
“Binibigay ko lang po talaga ‘yung best ko every game, and sinusupport ko rin — kung ano’ng puwede kong ma-contribute sa team. ‘Yung support po talaga sa team, ‘yun po ‘yung gusto ko maibigay po.”
