For Alyssa Solomon, National University’s stinging five-set loss to University of the Philippines in the UAAP Season 87 women’s volleyball served as their wake-up call to gather their senses and regain their winning form.

True enough, the defending champion Lady Bulldogs vented their ire on the Far Eastern University Lady Tamaraws, 25-22, 24-26, 26-24, 25-18, to get back on track and solidify their hold of the top spot at 9-1 over the weekend at the Smart Araneta Coliseum.

Solomon, who did not waste time in redeeming the squad by firing a career-best 30 points built on 26 attacks, three blocks and one ace, admitted she was still thankful with that loss against UP as it gave them a reality check.

“Para sakin, nakita ko siya as wakeup call na dapat hindi kami maging complacent talaga kahit number one kami,” said Solomon.

“After ng game na yon, nag-move forward agad kami at tinrabaho namin kung ano yung mga dapat trabahuin,” she added.

A lesson learned the hard way, but the Lady Bulldogs were not complaining. Fellow veterans Bella Belen and Vange Alinsug immediately stepped up and provided offensive support with combined 31 points, while Lams Lamina orchestrated their plays well with 30 excellent sets.

Shaira Jardio also took charge of the floor with 27 digs and 12 receptions.

Solomon said they leaned on their floor defense, which was absent in their game against UP.

“Mabilis yung naging game adjustment namin (today),” Solomon said.

“Nanalo kami sa FEU kasi lahat din ng natutunan namin sa game namin sa UP, ginawan namin ng paraan,” Lamina added.

NU coach Sherwin Meneses lauded his stalwarts for responding to the challenge.

“Thankful talaga kami kasi naka-recover kami from last game, yun naman yung importante, yung manalo… naka-move on, so start ulit,” said Meneses.

“Start ulit para makakuha ng twice-to-beat, prepare sa mga next games. Syempre marami pang laro… kasi talagang nagkakabasahan ng mga teams kaya dapat lagi lang kaming ready,” he added.