MANILA, Philippines — The NU Lady Bulldogs rebounded from their 5-set, upset loss to the UP Fighting Maroons last Wednesday by holding off the FEU Lady Tamaraws, 25-22, 24-26, 26-24, 25-18, in the UAAP Season 87 women’s volleyball tournament at the Araneta Coliseum on Sunday.
At the forefront of the Lady Bulldogs’ bounce back win was Alyssa Solomon, who hammered 30 points on 26 attacks, three blocks, and one ace as the league-leading NU improved to 9-1.
For Solomon, she considered the Bulldogs’ shocking loss to the Maroons’ as a wake-up call for the team, a reminder that they can’t let their guards down despite being on top of the league.
“I’m grateful for what happened in our UP game because for me, it was a wake-up call that we shouldn’t be complacent, even though we’re number one,” said Solomon.
“After that game, we moved forward quickly and worked on what needed improvement. We’re thankful because we learned a lot from that game.”
Solomon said that the defending champs Lady Bulldogs put a premium on their floor defense this time around, saying that was what they were lacking against UP when they had 59-of-167 in digs and 38-of-93 in receptions in a 5-set game.
In a 4-setter against FEU this time, NU went 61-of-170 in digs and 38-of-60 in receptions.
“I think it’s our floor defense because that’s what we noticed we were lacking,” said Solomon, who logged four digs against the Lady Tamaraws.
“In this game, we saw how we didn’t let the ball drop as much. Our adjustments were quicker today compared to the UP game.”
Solomon and the Lady Bulldogs will face the Adamson Lady Falcons next Sunday, April 6 as they try to secure a Final Four spot.
“Of course, we always have the mindset of taking it one game at a time,” said Solomon, the reigning Best Opposite Spiker.
“The Adamson game is really important for us because our goal is to get the twice-to-beat advantage. We need to secure the number 1 spot so we won’t have a hard time when we reach the semis.”
