Bella Belen reflected on her PVL debut with optimism, vowing to grow and lead the Capital1 Solar Spikers after a narrow straight-set loss to the Choco Mucho Flying Titans.
It wasn’t the dream PVL debut that Bella Belen had hoped for with the Capital1 Solar Spikers.
Belen gave it her all in the Solar Spikers’ close straight-sets loss to the Choco Mucho Flying Titans, 31-33, 24-26, 23-25, at the Ynares Center Montalban, on Tuesday night, October 7.
Finishing with a triple-double of 20 points, 18 excellent digs, and 12 excellent receptions, Belen said she’s grateful to have finally made her long-awaited PVL debut and is already looking forward to performing even better in the coming games.
“Siyempre, I'm very happy kasi ‘yun nga, nakapaglaro na ako. But sadly, hindi kami nanalo. Sayang kasi parang feeling ko kaya naman na ma-push pa ‘yung game pero kinapos kami,” the 2025 No. 1 overall draft pick told reporters after the match.
Lessons learned
The three-time UAAP MVP admitted that the team’s lack of composure in crucial moments made the difference in their opening loss.
Bella Belen looks over during Capital1's match against Choco Mucho in the 2025 PVL Reinforced Conference. | Photo: PVL
Nonetheless, Belen stressed that the Solar Spikers are only getting started.
“Siguro ‘yung mga crucial moments. Like ‘yung mga long rallies, kasi may times na huminto kami. So ayun, siguro kulang pa kami sa tibay ng loob tsaka trust sa isa’t isa,” Belen shared. “Kasi ‘yung game namin halos lahat dikit, lalo na ‘yung first set hanggang 30-plus points, so sayang talaga. Kailangan pa namin trabahuin.”
Both teams also suffered handicaps, with the foreign guest players sitting out the match.
The PVL said the Philippine National Volleyball Federation (PNVF) has yet to sign off on the International Transfer Certificates (ITCs), the documents required for foreign athletes to play in local professional leagues under FIVB regulations.
[ALSO READ: Where are imports in 2025 PVL Reinforced Conference opener? League explains document delay]
Still plenty to show
While the numbers didn’t matter much to her, Belen knows that she can do even better to help Capital1 secure its first win in the two-month conference.
“Lagi ko lang iniisip kung ano ‘yung kaya kong i-contribute sa game,” she said.
“Mas kaya ko pa siyang itaas. Mas may kaya pa akong gawin pero okay na rin siguro since first game, may jitters pa. I think mas kaya ko pa siyang gandahan pa sa susunod na games.”
[ALSO READ: Bella Belen reveals who she's most excited to face in PVL as Capital1 journey begins]
Belen and the rest of the Solar Spikers will be back on Monday, October 12, as they face the PLDT High Speed Hitters at the Smart Araneta Coliseum.
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Kiko Demigillo’s journey in sports storytelling began with a deep passion for games and athletes, which eventually grew into a full-fledged career.
Now a dedicated sportswriter, Kiko covers a wide range of beats for One Sports, including the PVL, UAAP, PBA, and various international tournaments.