AT 22 years old, Alyssa Solomon is already among the players many aspiring players and fans look up to due to her athleticism and solid game.
Through the years, the 6-foot-1 National University spiker earned individual accolades, from the college league's Best Opposite Hitter award to the Rookie of the Year honor, on top of a Season 84 championship with the Lady Bulldogs.
READ NU Lady Bulldogs sweep FEU, lock up twice-to-beat spot
On Wednesday night, Solomon topped the charts once again, scoring 13 points from 12 attacks to steer the Lady Bulldogs to a 25-21, 25-19, 25-22 victory over the Far Eastern University and a twice-to-beat spot in the Final Four.
While some people idolize her, Solomon reveals she has her own 'inspirations' growing up.
With her standout talent, she has drawn comparisons with Ara Galang, and Solomon explains why:
"Si Ate Ara, siya talaga yung OG [original] idol ko, nung napapanood ko siya nung bata pa ko, siya na talaga," she told SPIN.ph.
It's not only Galang's game that impressed her, but also her attitude.
"Pinaka-gusto ko sa kanya yung kung paano siya mag-isip at tapang niya, pati 'yung confidence niya. 'Yun yung gusto kong makuha para sa sarili ko," she said.
She's also hoping to be able to talk to the Chery Tiggo star when circumstances permit.
"Hindi ko pa nga siya nakakausap pero gusto ko, kasi parang very interesting person siya, marami akong matututunan," she explained.
Solomon also revealed that she learned a lot from a short interaction with her namesake, Alyssa Valdez, a few years back.
"Si Ate Alyssa, syempre, idol ng lahat 'yan. Nagkausap kami nung pandemic, sobrang na-inspire ako, ang dami kong natutunan about sa volleyball and life in general."
Now at 12-2, the Lady Bulldogs are now on the verge of claiming the top spot in the Final Four. For Solomon, it's important not to get ahead of themselves, taking the journey one step at a time.
"Lagi't lagi, one game at a time, mas pinaghahandaan namin ang bawat isang game, step by step muna kasi through that tsaka din mararating yung top," she said.
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