Alyssa Solomon drops 30 as NU gets back on track with romp of FEU; UP eliminates UE

Alyssa Solomon dazzled with an offensive masterclass as National University regained its winning form with a 25-22, 24-26, 26-24, 25-18 victory over Far Eastern University in the UAAP Season 87 women's volleyball on Sunday at the Smart Araneta Coliseum. 

The veteran opposite spiker erupted for a 30-point outing built on 26 attacks, three blocks, and one ace as the Lady Bulldogs bounced back from a stunning five-set loss to host University of the Philippines last Wednesday and improved to 9-1.

The Lady Tamaraws, who were coming off a pair of wins over UST and UE, fell to a 6-4 record. 

Solomon did not have lack of support with Bella belen posting an all-around performance of 18 points, 14 digs, and 13 receptions while Vange Alinsug chipped in 13 markers. 

Meanwhile, NU's previous tormentor in University of the Philippines continued to build momentum after sweeping University of the East, 25-21, 25-18, 25-17.

The loss officially eliminated the Lady Warriors (0-10) from Final Four contention while the Fighting Maroons boosted their playoff aspirations after improving to 5-5. 

Joan Monares fronted the sweep with 15 points anchored on 10 attacks, three aces, and two blocks together with six digs and five receptions as Irah Jaboneta churned out 13 markers. 

Niña Ytang, who was fresh off a career-high 30-point showing against the Lady Bulldogs, was limited to just seven points in the match but was still crucial for the back-to-back triumphs as the squad captured its first straight-set win since Season 84. 

But even after their latest feat, UP head coach Benson Bocboc stressed his team has still a long way to go. 

"Medyo magulo, medyo magulo ‘yung galaw ng team ngayon. So maraming errors ‘yung kalaban kaya nagkataon, we got the game," he said. 

"Pero sa amin, kulang. Kulang pa so siguro medyo shaky pa nung umpisa pero darating ‘yung time… kasi second round na eh, hindi na pwede ‘yung ganun na shaky."

—JKC, GMA Integrated News