UAAP Season 86 women’s volleyball champions NU Lady Bulldogs. Photo from UAAP Media. 

MANILA — The NU Lady Bulldogs made history on Wednesday and clinched their second UAAP women's volleyball title in three seasons.

The Norman Miguel-coached team imposed their might and height against the UST Golden Tigresses during their Season 86 women's volleyball Finals Game 2 victory at the Mall of Asia Arena, with the star duo of Alyssa Solomon and Bella Belen displaying their prowess against UST.

READ: National U clinches UAAP Season 86 women's volleyball title

LOOK: Golden double for NU after Finals sweep of UST

"Now or never na talaga, tapos kanina, nung fourth set, nire-remind namin yung isa't isa na dapat wag tumigil gumalaw para ipanalo po yung game," said Solomon, the Season 86 Best Opposite spiker, after the game.

UAAP Season 86 women’s volleyball Finals MVP Alyssa Solomon. Photo from UAAP Media.

This mindset allowed the Laguna-native to take charge in their victory, as the towering Solomon posted her season high of 27 points — 20 from attacks, four from blocks, and three from aces — and she said that it was a fulfilling feat especially since they failed to defend the title in Season 85.

"Sobrang saya sa heart kasi hindi rin kami sumuko basta-basta lang. Nilaban talaga namin yung game kanina, at sa buong season naman ang dami naming pinagdaanan."

"Happy kasi ako sa team kasi kumapit pa rin kami sa isa't isa," Solomon added, while explaining that these also helped her to up her game more, especially in that they are in the championship round. 

"Yung competitiveness ko sa katawan lumalabas. 'Di ako papayag na ginaganyan yung team ko. Kailangan mas lumaban kami, and nakita ko rin naman sila na lumalaban din para sa amin."

NU’s Alyssa Solomon together with former Lady Bulldog Jaja Santiago. Photo from UAAP Media.

Further fueling Alyssa's fire was the presence of another towering Lady Bulldog -- former NU star middle blocker Jaja Santiago.

Santiago has been present for her squad's recent games, and Solomon explained the importance of the guidance that Jaja has given to her.  

READ: Alyssa Solomon offers UAAP championship to Jaja Santiago

"Sobrang importante po ng mga sinabi ni Ate Ja sa akin," she said in a separate interview. 

"Very happy ako kasi sobrang supportive niya. Nag training pa siya before the game, so nung time na yun, sobrang inspired ko na ipakita yung best ko which is ngayon."

Alyssa also credited the biggest lesson that Santiago has been sharing with her ever since the Chery Tiggo star returned to the country,

"Siguro [yung biggest lesson is] yung ibigay mo lang talaga yung lahat lahat. Yung 'wag ka nang magtira, para hindi ka magsisisi sa huli," said Solomon.

But now that Alyssa is a two-time champion and a Finals MVP, is it time for her to turn pro?

"Actually, wala pa ko sa ganyang [mindset]. Ang focus ko lang talaga ngayon is yung UAAP. Parang andoon pa lang ako talaga, close pa lang yung mind ko sa UAAP," while also maintaining that she is yet to decide if she is to play for Alas Pilipinas in the 2024 AVC Challenge Cup which is set for next week.

"Pinag iisipan pa po namin kung magjojoin kasi dire-diretso eh, naghahanap din yung katawan namin ng pahinga," said Solomon, who, alongside Bella Belen, has received an invitation to join.  

"Siguro after this [celebration] po, pag uusapan pa namin," she added.

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