Alyssa Solomon of NU led her team through a victory in Game 1 of the Shakey’s Super League (SSL) Pre-Season Championship Season 2 finals, and gave credit to their second stringers for helping them recover from a first set loss. The Lady Bulldogs came back from losing their first set defeat in the tournament to win against University of Santo Tomas, 21-25, 25-16, 25-19, 25-17, to move within a win from another sweep of the tournament.

Arah Panique, Kaye Bombita, and Aisha Bello sparked the Lady Bulldogs’ attack in the second set that equalized the game to one set apiece. Then Solomon and the starters took over to secure the win on Friday night at Rizal Memorial Coliseum. Solomon finished with 15 points built on 11 attacks, three aces, and a block. She stated, “During the first set, we lacked enjoyment. Our second stringers showed us that they were enjoying and playing without pressure in the second set. So for us, starters, why not play like them?”

Solomon also commended Bella Belen and Vange Alinsug for their role in securing the win. The NU remained unbeaten in nine games and have a chance to clinch the title in Game 2 for a second straight perfect championship run on Saturday at 5 p.m. She said, “We need to keep our focus and stay hungry. We can’t be complacent.”