Belen, Solomon pass up AVC stint

MANILA, Philippines — National University stars Bella Belen and Alyssa Solomon have formally begged off from the Alas Pilipinas’ campaign in the AVC Challenge Cup for Women scheduled next week at the Rizal Memorial Coliseum.

Academic duties and injury rehab were cited in the decision of NU management not to field their two aces for the tourney slated on May 22 to 29, according to head coach Norman Miguel.

Miguel, who was supposed to be part of the national team’s coaching staff, also begged off from the coming event.

“The management formally informed the Philippine National Volleyball Federation (PNVF) to defer the participation of Belen, Solomon and I,” Miguel told The STAR.

Miguel said Belen and Solomon have to make up for missed school work and could use some rest after the Lady Bulldogs’ championship campaign in UAAP Season 86, their second in the last three seasons.

Belen also has a scheduled on-the-job training while Solomon will undergo rehab for her nagging knee injury.