Bello makes most out of opportunity to fill in for injured Solomon
With semifinal-bound National University (NU) sporting an Alyssa Solomon-sized hole in its roster, it was up to the rest of the Lady Bulldogs to somehow fill in the scoring load left by the star opposite hitter.
And with the team needing to bounce back from a shock loss to Adamson, coach Sherwin Meneses put the weight on Aishat Bello’s shoulders.
“I am happy because I have the opportunity to play, and I am also happy because I [tried] to give my effort,” the Nigerian hitter told the Inquirer after NU dealt University of the East (UE) a 12th consecutive defeat, 25-8, 25-22, 25-12, on Wednesday at PhilSports Arena in Pasig City.
Bello’s response was impressive considering the daunting task she was given after not seeing too much action for most of the season.
Bello had nine points, the same as Vange Alinsug, as she provided vital offense to help out Bella Belen, who dealt the Lady Warriors the most damage with her 16 points.
Those nine points may have been a far cry from the usual hefty production of Solomon, who is still nursing a minor left ankle sprain. The lanky Solomon, after all, is good for about 20 points a game. But it was a good sign that Bello and the rest of the Bulldogs are ready to step up when their names are called.
“[It’s not my] 100 percent, but I try my best … so that [Solomon doesn’t have to] worry [about not being able to play],” Bello said. “Because I know how it feels to be outside watching [and wondering] what you can [possibly] do. So I am so happy to play.”
Arah Panique would have been the logical choice to fill in for Solomon. The former Alas cog had her chance against the Lady Falcons. But this time, it was Bello’s turn to help the Lady Bulldogs—and she waited a long time for her opportunity that came on the eve of their game against the Lady Warriors.
“I feel bad if I am not on the court but, at the same time, I try to understand,” the 23-year-old hitter said. “I expect [to play] sometimes … [but] I understand [it when] my coach always says, ‘Everybody cannot play the same time.’
“Even if we have 10 Bellas in a team, it’s [only] the six that’s going to play, so the whole team is just always ready and prepared if they have the opportunity to take someone’s place,” she added.
When Solomon returns to the pink of health, Bello would most probably have to watch from the sidelines again. But there are still plenty of chances for her to contribute to the defending champions. And she also wants to be an example of being prepared for younger players, especially with the Lady Bulldogs stars’ looming departure from the team to turn pro.
“Coach Sherwin always tells [the younger players] that once they are given the opportunity, they need to grab it, because [right now] it rarely happens,” Belen said. “The older players will eventually leave, so this can be their stepping stone when we leave and so they can already handle the pressure later on.”
And Bello will continue to try to help her teammates whenever she steps back on the court.
“Solomon, before this game, always tells me, ‘Let’s go, you can do it.’ And for her to tell me that, even if I am not up to her standard, to encourage me to put more effort, I think it’s up to me to put my hundred percent and always try my best to make them happy,” Bello said.
“And to make myself happy also because when I play a good game, I feel happy, and if I play a bad game, I feel sad.”
