Bella Belen admitted the pressure to perform remains despite finally earning her first win as she and Capital1 look to build momentum after defeating Nxled in the 2025 PVL Reinforced Conference.
The wait is officially over for Bella Belen’s first PVL win.
The three-time UAAP MVP powered the Capital1 Solar Spikers to their breakthrough 2025 PVL Reinforced Conference victory behind a four-set win over the Nxled Chameleons, 25-20, 23-25, 27-25, 25-12, at the Smart Araneta Coliseum on Thursday, October 16.
Backing Ukranian import Sasha Bytsenko’s conference-high 39 points, Belen finished with a double-double of 15 markers and 14 excellent digs.
“Pag ginagawa mo 'yung role mo as a player and as a team, talagang 'yung energy and kung paano mag-celebrate, lumalabas talaga,” the No. 1 overall pick said during the post-game press conference.
“'Yung fourth set, talagang tinrabaho na namin kasi sabi namin may chance na kaming mapanalo 'yung game, so kailangan tapusin na namin."
Change in mindset
Coming off a tough debut loss to the PLDT High Speed Hitters, Belen said the Solar Spikers entered the Chameleons match with a renewed focus and a must-win mentality.
Bella Belen and the Capital1 Solar Spikers celebrate their four-set win against the Nxled Chameleons. | Photo: PVL
“After pa lang ng game namin against PLDT, minindset na talaga namin na kailangan namin manalo ngayon, hindi kami dapat matalo,” she said. “Parang ‘yung mindset pa lang na ‘yun, natulungan na kami mag-perform sa training at pagdating sa game.”
[ALSO READ: Bella Belen gets real on first PVL matchup against 'would-be' team PLDT]
Pressure remains
But even with their first victory, Belen admitted that the pressure to deliver is still present every time she steps on the court.
“Siguro ‘yung pressure nandiyan pa rin talaga. Hindi naman kasi siya nawawala. I mean, kinakabahan pa rin ako every game,” she shared. “Pero with the support of my teammates and coaches, siyempre ayun, mas nagagawa ko po ‘yung role ko sa team.”
[ALSO READ: Bella Belen knows building a winning culture with Capital1 takes time]
Belen and the Solar Spikers look to secure back-to-back wins as they face the Farm Fresh Foxies on Tuesday, October 21, still at the Big Dome.
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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.