Alyssa Solomon is raring to showcase her experience and talent sharpened in the Japan SV.League when she debuts in the 33rd Southeast Asian Games in Thailand next week.
Solomon took a break from her ongoing Japan stint with the Osaka Marvelous, as she leads the way for Alas Pilipinas in her first-ever SEA Games appearance. Fresh from Japan, the star opposite spiker out of National University, is looking forward to the things she learned from the prestigious overseas pro league.
‘I’m super excited, especially since I just got back. I can’t wait to apply everything I learned in Japan and to finally experience my very first SEA Games,’ Solomon told the reporters in Filipino during the Philippine National Volleyball Federation sendoff on Saturday.
‘I learned a lot there, and it really shaped me as a player. It helped me grow so much,’ she added.
The 23-year-old Solomon, who won three UAAP championships, believes that Japan made her a more lethal opposite spiker with her improved net defense.
‘I think my blocking improved the most. That’s really what I focused on since my role there was doing the double-sub rotation,’ she said.
Alas may have a limited preparation, but Solomon believes that the bond and chemistry they formed since competing last year in the AVC Nations Cup and SEA V.League are still there as they try to end a 20-year medal drought.
‘Chemistry is also a huge factor, and I think we’ve become much more solid as a team. We’re very excited to play in the SEA Games,’ she said.
Alas competes in Pool A, opening its SEA Games campaign against defending champion Thailand on December 11 before facing Singapore on December 12.
Solomon will leave everything on the floor for the country.
‘We’ll just give our best in every game, and we hope you support us no matter what happens,’ she said.