Multi-titled rookie ace Bella Belen is more than just a scoring machine for Capital1, but an all-around threat for the Solar Spikers in the PVL Reinforced Conference.
There’s no denying that Bella Belen is known for her scoring, if her multiple UAAP MVPs and championships are anything to base off of.
But Belen has always shown that she’s more than that.
From her days in NU to her new journey now with the Capital1 Solar Spikers, Belen is someone that the team can rely on both sides of the play — an asset that her team made sure to put to their advantage in a big win over the Cignal Super Spikers on Friday.
In the import-laden conference, Belen shone in more ways than one in her first PVL conference.
“Ever since naman na naglaro ako, talagang nag-focus ako sa defense since di ako ganun ka-tangkaran,” Belen said after the match.
“So mas nadadalian akong basahin 'yung kalaban, lalo na 'pag pumapalo sila, and siguro isa na rin siyang advantage for me kasi natutulungan ko 'yung team.”
In what was Capital1’s second sweep win in franchise history, Belen registered 11 points and 14 excellent digs, a stat line that earned her Player of the Game honors.
More importantly, Belen did keep her team in the running for a Top 3 finish in Pool A, leveling their slate at 2-2.
[READ: PVL: Capital1 Solar Spikers outshine Cignal Super Spikers in stunning sweep]
Heading in the right direction
Much like her college days, though, Belen isn’t about to settle for small wins. Rather, she knows that the steps that the team is making will ultimately get them into the right path — especially since head coach Jorge de Brito’s system is slowly getting absorbed by the players.
“For me talaga this is a good sign na paunti-unti na nagje-jell din 'yung team and 'yung sistema, talagang nakukuha na,” she said.
“Meron pa namang next game, so I'm very excited kung ano pa 'yung pwede naming ma-improve and madala next game,” she continued.
Capital1 hopes for another win when they close Round 1 against the Choco Mucho Flying Titans on Tuesday, November 4, at the Mall of Asia Arena in Pasay City.
—
Luisa Morales is a sports writer with a special interest in promoting women’s sports.
Her coverage highlights include the UAAP, PVL, Southeast Asian Games, and the FIBA World Cup. She also follows Alex Eala, the Philippine women’s national football team, and mixed martial arts.