With Alyssa Solomon back in action, defending champion National University flexed just enough muscle to beat Ateneo de Manila University, 25-16, 25-15, 25-21, on Sunday and secure a twice-to-beat incentive in the upcoming Final Four of the University Athletic Association of the Philippines women’s volleyball tournament.

Absent in the Lady Bulldogs’ last two games because of an ankle sprain, Solomon sparked the Lady Bulldogs with a 12-point performance, including seven in the opening set, in the match held at the Smart Araneta Coliseum.

Her return provided the much-needed firepower as NU not only clinched a Final Four bonus but also locked in the No. 1 seed with an 11-2 win-loss record.

“I was super excited to be back with the team, especially during the game. We just showed what we’ve been working hard on in training these past few days. I’m really happy to be back,” Solomon said.

NU will wrap up its elimination round campaign with a high-stakes rematch of last year’s finals against the University of Santo Tomas on 27 April also at the Big Dome.

Despite being eliminated from playoff contention, Ateneo pushed NU in the third set, briefly grabbing momentum behind key plays from AC Miner and Yvana Sulit.

But NU regrouped quickly, leaning on Nigerian import Aisha Bello’s crucial hits to regain control at 20-16.

Two late attack errors by Solomon gave the Blue Eagles a glimmer of hope, narrowing the deficit to 21-19.

However, the Lady Bulldogs shut the door with a finishing flurry that included a Bella Belen off-the-block kill, a Zey Pacia error, a Solomon crosscourt spike, and a roof from Erin Pangilinan.

Belen led NU’s all-around effort with 16 points off 12 attacks, two blocks, and two service aces, on top of 13 excellent receptions and 10 digs. Pangilinan chipped in 11 points while Chammy Maaya and Vange Alinsug added nine apiece. Setter Camilla Lamina orchestrated the offense with 17 excellent sets.

Head coach Sherwin Meneses emphasized the importance of the team’s synergy heading into the playoffs.

“It’s crucial that everyone contributes, especially now that we’re heading to the semifinals. That’s the most important thing because the games are only going to get tougher. We’re happy and grateful that things are falling into place,” said Meneses.

With the loss, Ateneo dropped to 4-9, absorbing their fourth consecutive defeat. They will face the winless UE Lady Warriors on 26 April to close out their season.