UAAP S86 Best Opposite Spiker Alyssa Solomon and former NU superstar Jaja Santiago share a special moment after Lady Bulldogs win UAAP title on May 15, 2024. Photo by Kennedy Caacbay, ABS-CBN News
MANILA – UAAP Season 86 Finals MVP Alyssa Solomon on Wednesday gave a fitting tribute to former National University superstar Jaja Santiago following the conclusion of their Finals series against University of Santo Tomas.
While everyone was celebrating at the Mall of Asia Arena, Solomon offered her gold medal to the acclaimed volleyball player—and she wore it.
For Solomon, the triumph was for their alumni who previously donned the blue and gold colors, like Santiago, who is now playing overseas in the Japan V.League with JT Marvelous.
Finals MVP Alyssa Solomon offers her gold medal to ate Jaja Santiago--a fitting tribute to the former NU star #UAAPSeason86 #UAAPFinals @ABSCBNNews pic.twitter.com/Q5OMcOHX3K
— Kennedy Caacbay (@kennedyzcaacbay) May 15, 2024
"'Yung nangyari kanina is para sa kanila, sa mga alumni namin na hindi naka-receive ng gold medal noon, nung time nila," Solomon told ABS-CBN News. "So parang binabalik lang namin sa kanila 'yung nangyayari sa 'min ngayon. Shine-share namin — hindi lang pa sa amin 'to. Para sa inyo din."
The decorated middle blocker gave the Season 86 Best Opposite Spiker some tips before reaching the Finals, and Solomon said that she kept Santiago's advice in mind against the Golden Tigresses in the championship series.
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Santiago also trained with the Lady Bulldogs before Game 2, according to Solomon.
The training bore fruit as the Lady Bulldog exploded for 27 points on 20 attacks, four blocks, and three aces in a 25-23, 23-25, 27-25, 25-16 victory over the Golden Tigresses.
"Before this game, nag-training siya sa 'min. And very happy siya sa nakikita niya sa 'kin kasi lahat ng sinabi niya, in-apply ko talaga. Kasi alam kong sobrang malaking tulong 'yun sa 'kin," Solomon said.
From one NU star to another, Solomon also had a touching message for her mentor and inspiration.
"Ate Ja, I love you so much. Ikaw 'yung inspirasyon ko. 'Yung game kanina, isa ka sa pinag-alayan ko nun. Hindi kami sumuko kasi para sa inyo 'yon," Solomon said.