After missing two games, Alyssa Solomon picked up right where she left off for the NU Lady Bulldogs in UAAP Season 87.
Alyssa Solomon made sure to hit the ground running after she returned from a two-game absence due to injury, finishing with 12 points in NU’s three-set victory over the Ateneo Blue Eagles at the Smart Araneta Coliseum on Sunday.
Having suffered a mild ankle sprain, Solomon missed out on a crucial part in the Lady Bulldogs’ title defense, especially with standings so tight at the top.
But she returned at the opportune time to help the Lady Bulldogs clinch the twice-to-beat advantage at Ateneo’s expense, and claiming their 11th victory of the season with just one game remaining before the Final Four.
[READ: Alyssa Solomon returns as NU picks up 2x-to-beat for UAAP Season 87 Final Four]
Though already back in shape, Solomon said that she remains cautious and is continuously receiving rehab for the injury.
“Yung recovery ko naman po, medyo madali naman siya since hindi naman siya… mild lang naman siya. And then, yung every day, nagr-rehab pa rin ako so hindi nawawala yun. Then after rehab, tape. Ganun lang po yung ginagawa ko,” she told One Sports.
From the get-go, it was already apparent that Solomon was fitter than she had been in previous games, as she was also a lot more active during warmups.
She then didn’t take long to get things going, scoring on her first touch of the ball.
Solomon admitted that there was still some pain that she played through, but assured that it was something she could handle.
“Siguro mga 85 percent [ako right now]. Ganon. Konti na lang. Kasi kanina, may nararamdaman pa rin akong pain pero kaya naman. Tolerable,” she said.
As for how she felt going into the game, there was nothing else that Solomon was able to think about during her recovery than being able to contribute again for her team. Especially after seeing her team fall at the hands of Shaina Nitura and the Adamson Lady Falcons, Solomon was adamant to get back.
“Ganon talaga [yung mindset ko]. Parang after ng game against Adamson, gusto ko talaga agad makabawi and mag-recover agad,” said Solomon.
“Though dapat, hindi talaga minamadali yung recovery pero ayun, gusto ko agad maka-recover para makapaglaro ulit.”
Thankfully for Solomon, the Lady Bulldogs were still able to hold the fort somehow during her absence, especially thanks to players like Arah Panique and Aisha Bello who stepped up in Solomon’s stead.
Knowing what her teammates were capable of, Solomon beamed with pride.
“Sobrang happy ako para sa kanila kasi mabigat yung role na nabigay sakanila. Pero, napanindigan nila yun and nakapag-adjust agad sila. Kahit na maliit yung time para mag-adjust,” said Solomon.
“Inembrace talaga nila yung role. Super happy talaga ako,” she added.
Before Solomon and the Lady Bulldogs engage in their last game of the season, she will have ample time to recover and rehab as the UAAP enters its Holy Week break.
NU will close out round 2 of eliminations on Sunday, April 27, still at the Smart Araneta Coliseum. In the meantime, Solomon is eager to spend time with family.
“Siguro uwi [muna ako] sa bahay and kasama family,” she said.