Alyssa Solomon and Bella Belen joined forces as the Lady Bulldogs picked up win no. 8.
Like a true champion, the National University Lady Bulldogs showed poise when the going got tough in a 25-21, 25-14, 25-23 win over the Far Eastern University Tamaraws in the UAAP Season 85 women’s volleyball tournament on Sunday at the PhilSports Arena.
Though it was a straight-sets victory, it was by no means a walk in the park for the Lady Bulldogs as the Tamaraws put up a valiant effort in the opening and third frames, respectively.
In fact, the reigning champions even faced a 23-21 deficit in the third set before Bella Belen and Princess Robles put the stranglehold on the victory with back-to-back attacks.
Asked what they were told during those pressure-packed moments, Alyssa Solomon said, “Composure lang.”
“Wag masyado ma-rattle. Wag masyado mag-isip kasi pag marami kang iniisip, the more na makakalimutan mong gumalaw ng maayos,” said Solomon, who finished with 18 points, including 1 block.
It all starts in practice, added Solomon, whose team bagged back-to-back straight-sets wins to stay in the hunt for a Final Four berth with an 8-3 win-loss record.
“Nagsisimula ‘yan sa training. Laging sinasabi ng coaches na kung ano tine-training mo, ‘yun ‘yung lalabas sa game. So, kailangan namin sa training pa lang consistent na, para sa game consistent na rin,” she said.
As the Lady Bulldogs enter the final stretch of the elimination round, Solomon said they need to work on basically every facet of the game.
“'Yung errors namin talaga (dapat pa i-improve). ‘Yung service at attacks din siguro, pati sa blockings at communication,” she added.