Bella Belen weighed her career-high 28-point outing against the bigger lesson of growth as Capital1 bowed to PLDT in the 2026 PVL All-Filipino Conference.
In just three games into the 2026 PVL All-Filipino Conference, Bella Belen has already reset her career high twice.
Belen poured in a career-high 28 points for the Capital1 Solar Spikers, but the breakout performance was not enough to overcome the PLDT High Speed Hitters in their four-set defeat on Thursday at the FilOil Centre in San Juan.
Despite the result, the three-time UAAP MVP said there were positives to take from how Capital1 competed against one of the league’s most experienced teams.
"Nakita ko naman na lumaban 'yung team," Belen told reporters after the match. "May mga glimpse na kaya namin. Pero siyempre, 'yung kalaban namin sobrang beterano na at matagal na silang magkakasama."
Belen's 28-point outburst came on the heels of her 26-point performance in the Solar Spikers' opening day victory against the ZUS Coffee Thunderbelles.
[ALSO READ: Bella Belen shows ‘killer instinct’ in PVL career-high game to open All-Filipino]
As Capital1’s focal point on the taraflex, Belen remains conscious of how her body language and response to pressure influence her teammates.
"Iniisip ko lang lagi na kailangan lumaban," she explained. "Hangga’t hindi pa tapos 'yung game at hindi pa sila nakakakuha ng tatlong set, hindi pa tapos."
[ALSO READ: PLDT all praises for Capital1's Bella Belen after setting new PVL career high]
Balancing a strong individual outing with a losing result, Belen emphasized that scoring totals mean little without team success.
The Solar Spikers currently sit in 7th place with a 1-2 record, tied with the Thunderbelles.
"May kulang pa," she said. "Kasi yung volleyball hindi individual, team effort talaga siya. Kahit na maraming points, kapag hindi nanalo, lagi naming iniisip kung ano pa 'yung kailangan naming gawin para matulungan at maipanalo 'yung team."
Capital1 will try to translate those lessons into a breakthrough when it faces the Choco Mucho Flying Titans on Tuesday, Feb. 17, at the FilOil Centre in San Juan.
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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.