Alyssa Solomon knows too well that the repeat-seeking National University (NU) has a huge target on its back.

Any team that she and the Lady Bulldogs will face in the University Athletic Association of the Philippines (UAAP) Season 87 women’s volleyball tournament will surely go after their throats.

Such was the case when NU needed to dig deep in its bag of tricks to survive Far Eastern University’s (FEU) upset attempt last Sunday at the Mall of Asia Arena.

Solomon, who played a crucial role in the Lady Bulldogs’ fourth-set rally to force a deciding set, emphasized the importance of passion and consistency.

“What we learned today is, to truly put our heart into it,” she said following NU’s 25-15, 23-25, 23-26, 25-23, 15-8 escape.

“Once you let go of the game, you’ve already lost.”

The 6-foot-2 opposite hitter tallied 23 points on 19 attacks and four blocks, delivering the crucial blows to keep the Lady Bulldogs spotless in three games.

With teams improving and regrouping each season, Solomon understands that the competition has become fiercer than ever.

“This season, if you wake up with a bad game, you’re in trouble,” she added, acknowledging the unpredictability of the tournament.

FEU, which nearly pulled off a stunning upset in the previous season’s semifinals by sweeping the top-seeded Lady Bulldogs in their first matchup before falling short in the do-or-die game, showed once again that they are a force to be reckoned with.

Despite a rocky start to the season, the Lady Tamaraws have proven their resilience and hunger for victory.

“I noticed that FEU really prepared for this. They truly wanted to win the game,” Solomon said.

“I saw how they fought for every point. They practically threw their bodies into it.”