Alyssa Solomon is joined by five other NU Lady Bulldogs in the wish list released by the Philippine National Volleyball Federation for three upcoming competitions.
Five players from National University have been included in the 33-player wish list of the Philippine National Volleyball Federation for the women's national team that will compete in three upcoming tourneys this year.
Current Alas members Alyssa Solomon, Bella Belen and Arah Panique, as well as potential first-timers Lams Lamina and Vange Alinsug, are among the invitees who will undergo tryouts in the coming months for the squad that will see action in the 6th AVC Challenge Cup in June, 5th Southeast Asian V.League from July to August, and the 33rd Southeast Asian Games in December.
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Solomon beamed with pride to have her fellow Lady Bulldogs as prospects while also relishing her personal gain: the experience brought by international level of play.
“Ako naman, very happy kasi nakabalik ako ulit sa Alas. Excited ako to gain experience pa pagdating sa international leagues kasi iba talaga 'yong competition doon,” said Solomon, who is headed out of the Lady Bulldogs program by the end of the season.
“Super happy ako kasi nandoon sila and nandoon 'yong core [ng team]," she added.
[ALSO READ: Here's why Alyssa Solomon of NU Lady Bulldogs withdrew from KOVO draft]
Solomon is also ready for the challenge as they jockey for positions in the roster.
"So, matsa-challenge din sila and kaming lahat pagdating sa lahat ng posisyon. So, paglalabanan talaga namin 'yong mga posisyon namin,” said Solomon, who uncorked a season-high 30 points in NU's 25-22, 24-26, 26-24, 25-18 bounce-back win over Far Eastern University.
[RELATED STORY: Alyssa Solomon fires season-high 30 as Lady Bulldogs rebound vs Lady Tams in UAAP volley]
The reigning Best Opposite Spiker explained how NU's high school program prepared the squad for higher-level competitions and allowed them to develop skills good enough for the national team.
“Siguro kasi, since high school parang pinukpok na talaga kami na to compete sa mataas na liga. So, ngayon, matsa-challenge naman kami pagdating sa seniors naman,” she said.
She shared her advice for Lamina and Alinsug.
“Ibigay ninyo lang 'yong best ninyo palagi once na ipinasok kayo sa court. Ngayong tryout, galingan mo,” Solomon added.
Solomon and the rest of the Lady Bulldogs, however, still have their hands full as they are in the middle of their title defense in the UAAP.
NU will next tangle with Adamson on Sunday, April 6, at the Smart Araneta Coliseum in Cubao.
The Lady Bulldogs, who quickly got back on their feet following their first setback against University of the Philippines with their win over FEU, remained atop the standings with their 9-1 slate.