By MARK REY MONTEJO
Before the start of the UAAP Season 87, reigning champion National University knew it already had a huge target on its back and its loss to University of the Philippines served only as a “wake up call” for the two-peat seeking Lady Bulldogs.
Moving on from their five-set defeat to the Fighting Maroons, the Lady Bulldogs vented their ire on the Far Eastern University Lady Tamaraws, 25-22, 24-26, 26-24, 25-18, in a performance that enabled them to regain the respect of their rivals in the UAAP.
For Alyssa Solomon, their loss to the Fighting Maroons was a reality check that made them go back to the drawing board where the value of teamwork, patience and courage was again emphasized.
They were also reminded of their goal – protect their throne at all cost.
And eureka, they’re back on their old deadly form. And the swaggers are back too.
Taking the lessons to the letter, Solomon fought with the desire of a wounded tiger and finished with a season-best 30 points built on 26 attacks, three blocks and one ace.
“Thankful ako sa nangyari sa UP game namin kasi para sa akin nakita ko siya as wake up call na dapat di kami maging complacent talaga kahit number one kami,” said Solomon after their victory at the Smart Araneta Coliseum Sunday, March 30.
“After ng game na ‘yon, nag move forward agad kami at tinrabaho namin kung ano ‘yong mga dapat trabahuin, thankful naman kami kasi marami kaming lessons na nakuha no’ng game na ‘yon,” she added.
As always, Bella Belen and Vange Alinsug were there to provide offensive support – thanks to setter Lams Lamina who was against brilliant, what with her creative plays. Belen and Alinsug combined for 31 points while Lamina produced 30 excellent sets and libero Shaira Jardio continued to utilize her expertise with her 27 excellent digs and 12 excellent receptions.
“Sa floor defense namin kasi ‘yong pinakakulang namin no’ng game namin against UP… mabilis din kasi ‘yong game adjustment namin today,” Solomon continued.
“Nanalo kami sa FEU kasi lahat din nang natutunan namin sa UP, ginawan namin ng paraan [na magamit ngayon],” added Lamina.
Sherwin Meneses was glad as his wards responded very well from their first taste of defeat and vowed to sustain their drive in a bid to gain a twice-to-beat advantage.
With a 9-1 record, that goal is doable.
“Thankful talaga kami kasi naka-recover kami from last game, ‘yon naman ‘yong importante ‘yong manalo… naka-move on, so start ulit,” said Meneses.
“Start ulit para makakuha ng twice-to-beat, prepare sa mga next games, syempre marami pang laro… kasi talagang nagkakabasahan ng mga teams kaya dapat lagi lang kaming ready,” he added.
