Bella Belen drew high praise from the PLDT High Speed Hitters after dropping a new PVL career-high 28 points despite the Capital1 Solar Spikers' four-set loss in the 2026 PVL All-Filipino Conference.
Even in defeat, Bella Belen left a strong impression on PLDT as the Capital1 star delivered a new personal best in the 2026 PVL All-Filipino Conference.
Belen erupted for a PVL career-high 28 points, built on 26 attacks, one block, and one service ace, but the Solar Spikers still fell to the High Speed Hitters in four sets, 20-25, 16-25, 25-22, 17-25.
PLDT head coach Rald Ricafort admitted that slowing down Belen was a clear priority heading into the match—but one that proved difficult to execute.
"'Yun talaga ni-look forward namin today na i-try bawasan si Bella," Ricafort said during the post-game press conference. "Pero credit pa rin sa kanya dahil kumpleto talaga 'yung laro niya—passing, out-of-system, pati backrow. Siya talaga 'yun."
PVL MVP on the way?
Ricafort added that Belen’s all-around skill set and composure already place her among the league’s elite, even replacing her name with Capital1’s former import, Sasha Bytsenko.
Belen currently leads all scorers in the All-Filipino tilt with 77 points, while also ranking in the Top 10 in spiking, serving, and digging.
"Nung huling beses ko siya kinongratulate, Bella Bytsenko tawag ko sa kanya," he said with a smile. "Ganyan talaga magiging season niya. For sure, MVP candidate talaga siya this season."
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Opposite hitter Kianna Dy echoed the same sentiment, pointing out how difficult it was to read and contain Belen's offense.
"Ang likot ng bola niya, madaming daan," Dy noted. "Kita naman sa 28 points niya. We prepared for her also, kasi alam namin siya talaga bibigyan ng maraming bola."
Dy, who previously played alongside Belen in the national team during the 2021 Asian Women's Club Volleyball Championship, also highlighted the visible growth in the 23-year-old spiker.
"Mas mature na siya ngayon," Dy added. "Very calm na siya inside the court, dinadala na niya 'yung teammates niya. Dati medyo baby pa, ngayon leader type na talaga."
For now, the High Speed Hitters continue to have Belen and the Solar Spikers' number. But the No. 1 overall pick will try to do something about that in their future matchups.
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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.