By: Ernest Tuazon
The fruitful international volleyball experience gained by Bella Belen, Arah Panique, and Alyssa Solomon could do wonders for the younger core of the National University Lady Bulldogs ahead of their title defense in the UAAP Season 87 women’s volleyball tournament.
Belen, Panique, and Solomon are all with Alas Pilipinas Women in the ongoing SEA V.League tournament.
There, the Philippines snagged bronze in Leg 1 – their first podium finish since the inaugural legs of the four-team meet in 2019.
However, NU assistant coach Karl Dimaculangan admitted that the preparations for the team’s first-ever stint in the 2024 V-League have been difficult without the said trio, especially given the Lady Bulldogs’ younger core for the preseason tilt.
(C) SAVA
“Mas mahirap [yung trainings and preparation] kasi malaking jump or level yung difference nila sa rookies and younger core namin ‘eh,” the brother of PLDT setter Rhea shared after NU’s four-set rout of Colegio de San Juan de Letran in the V-League on Wednesday afternoon.
“‘Yun yung winowork out namin together with the coaching staff para maimprove yung level ng latter and mahabol din nila at the same time,” he added.
Dimaculangan, nonetheless, is looking forward to the time when the Belen-Panique-Solomon trio can share their international experience and much-improved level of play with the Lady Bulldogs’ young core in hopes of snagging their third UAAP title in four years.
The 20-year-old wing spiker Panique has been with the team since its historic bronze medal finish in the AVC Challenger Cup last May.
Meanwhile, the Belen-Solomon tandem later joined Alas Pilipinas in the FIVB Challenger Cup last July and in the ongoing SEA V.League tilt.
“Yun yung magiging key namin para mahila rin yung mga teammates nila, para ma-share yung experience, and yung level of play. Good thing na nandoon sila, mae-expose sila.”
