Alyssa Solomon looks forward to her first SEA Games, aiming to apply the growth and lessons she gained from her stint with Osaka Marvelous in Japan’s SV.League.
Alyssa Solomon is set to make her Southeast Asian Games debut as part of the Alas Pilipinas Women squad, bringing valuable experience from her recent stint in Japan’s SV.League.
Solomon arrived back in the Philippines on November 25 after pausing her campaign with the Osaka Marvelous.
“Super excited po since ‘yun nga, kakabalik ko lang po, and excited lang ako i-apply kung ano 'yung mga natutunan ko sa Japan and ma-experience ko 'yung first-ever SEA Games ko,” Solomon said during the team’s send-off last Saturday.
Plenty of lessons in Japan
The former National University standout played 14 matches for Osaka Marvelous, coming off the bench to score 79 points, including 58 attacks, in her first international club stint.
[ALSO READ: Alyssa Solomon shines as Osaka Marvelous sweep Yamagata in SV.League]
Solomon said the opportunity has helped her grow significantly as a player.
“Marami naman po [natutunan], and ayun, super nahubog talaga ako as a player,” she shared.
“I think 'yung blocking po, and 'yun nga siguro pinagtuunan ng pansin since 'yung naging role ko po doon is 'yung double sub,” she added.
Call for support
Ahead of the tournament, Solomon said the national team’s cohesion has improved and will play an important role in their campaign.
“Malaking bagay po talaga 'yung chemistry, and I think naging mas buo po kami as a team. Very excited na po kami to play sa SEA Games,” she added.
As she prepares for her first SEA Games appearance, Solomon asked fans to continue backing the national team.
“Bibigay lang po namin siguro 'yung best namin sa mga games, and ‘yun po, sana po suportahan kami kahit ano mangyari.”
[ALSO READ: Jia De Guzman sees SEA Games as culmination of Alas Pilipinas' two-year journey]
Alas Women will look to end a 20-year medal drought in women’s volleyball as they open their campaign on December 11 against hosts and reigning champions Thailand.
(With reports from Mei-Lin Lozada/One Sports)
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Kiko Demigillo’s journey in sports storytelling began with a deep passion for games and athletes, which eventually grew into a full-fledged career.
Now a dedicated sportswriter, Kiko covers a wide range of beats for One Sports, including the PVL, UAAP, PBA, and various international tournaments.