Alyssa Solomon put to use the lessons she learned from Jaja Santiago and Taka Minowa in helping the NU Lady Bulldogs take Game 1 of the UAAP Season 86 Finals over the UST Golden Tigresses.
Alyssa Solomon came into Game 1 of the UAAP Season 86 women's volleyball Finals with a point to prove.
After a rough showing in the Final Four against Far Eastern University, Solomon found the best time to rediscover her groove, leading National University past the University of Santo Tomas in straight sets, 25-23, 25-20, 25-20.
With a renewed mindset, Solomon finished with 17 points on 14 attacks and three blocks.
"Nasa mindset ko talaga 'yun eh. Ang kinakalaban ko lang nung semis is 'yung sarili ko. Parang every error hindi ko na binabawi or nire-redeem ko sarili ko, so parang na-down. After naman nung game na 'yun, sabi ko sa sarili ko na ayaw ko nang mangyari ulit 'yun," Solomon said during the post-game press conference.
Solomon even bared the advice and help she received from Jaja Santiago and Taka Minowa, who went to NU's training prior to Game 1.
"Very helpful talaga kasi siguro naintidihan ako ni ate Jaja kasi sa height. And then si coach Taka din nag-advise sakin na hit high," said Solomon of the UAAP Season 80 MVP and her PVL coach husband.
"Kahapon sa training nandun silang dalawa tapos naalala ko bigla 'yung sinabi nila and then inapply ko lang ng inaapply hangga't sa nasanay 'yung katawan," she added.
[ALSO READ: UAAP: Alyssa Solomon reveals "sermon" she received from ate Jaja Santiago after NU's Final Four win over FEU]
Given the support she's been receiving from Santiago and Minowa, the towering opposite hitter couldn't help but even be more motivated in improving her game.
"Very motivating kasi parang, 'Ay wala pa pala ako sa level na akala ko nandun na ako.' Parang sipa ba sakin na kailangan ko pa maging better, wala ka pa sa peak mo or kung saan ka man. Huwag kang magsawa matuto," said Solomon.
With just one more win needed to secure the championship, Solomon looks to ready herself once more in leading the Lady Bulldogs to their second title in three years.
"Siguro sa training talaga nagsta-start. 100% effort sa training kasi lalabas yan sa game eh. Kung ano 'yung pinapractice mo sa training, 'yun 'yung lumalabas sa game," said Solomon.
Game 2 of the NU-UST women's volleyball finals will be on Wednesday, May 15 at the Mall of Asia Arena in Pasay at 4:00 p.m.