Alyssa Solomon and Jaja Santiago had a moment after National University advanced to the UAAP Season 86 Women’s Volleyball Finals last Wednesday.
Following the Lady Bulldogs’ straight-sets win over the FEU Lady Tamaraws in their do-or-die Final Four battle, the NU legend was seen talking to Solomon, mentoring her on her spiking.
Solomon, the 6-foot-1 opposite hitter, appeared to have been awakened by that as she led National U on the cusp of a second title in three years after dominating the University of Santo Tomas in Game 1 of the Finals, 25-23, 25-20, 25-20 last Saturday.
The 22-year-old Solomon unloaded a team-best 17 points on 14 attacks and three blocks while also registering eight digs, all while playing on a bad knee.
Head coach Norman Miguel revealed postgame that Solomon and Vange Alinsug have been experiencing discomfort in their knees over the past week.
For Santiago, she was mighty proud of Solomon.
(C) Joaqui Flores/UAAP Season 86 Media Team
“Proud na proud talaga ako kay Alyssa lalo na sa attitude niya. Actually, diba kapag sinabing NU yung leadership ni Belen pero si Alyssa talaga nagiging leader din sa loob ng court,” said Santiago, a multi-awarded middle blocker in the Japan V.League.
“Actually, ‘yun ‘yung gusto ko sa mga bata ngayon, kahit may iniinda sila, lumalaban sila, and as an athlete talaga, alam mo ‘yun kailangan mo munang magtrabaho tapos pagkatapos non, kapag naipanalo mo, worth it kasi kapag nailaban mo tapos binigay mo ‘yung best mo,” she continued.
The Lady Bulldogs can close the series out in Game 2 on Wednesday at the SM Mall of Asia Arena.
Santiago, who just came off a Finals run with JT Marvelous in Japan, had this to say to the Lady Bulldogs for Game 2.
(C) Joaqui Flores/UAAP Season 86 Media Team
“Of course it’s gonna be a tough game but ‘yung preparation talaga ‘yung magdidikta kung ano ‘yung ilalaro nila sa Game 2 at syempre, huwag magpakampante. Kung ano ‘yung preparation nila noon, ‘yun din dapat ‘yung preparation nila ngayong Game 2,” said Santiago, who is in the process of Japanese naturalization.
“Kayang-kaya nila ‘yan basta nandoon ‘yung teamwork, leadership sa loob ng court, communication, at ‘yung dedication na manalo.”
