Despite matching her career-best scoring output, Bella Belen credited a total collective effort after the Capital1 Solar Spikers edged the Choco Mucho Flying Titans in five sets.
Bella Belen made sure the spotlight stayed on the collective effort after Capital1 Solar Spikers snapped back into the win column with a gutsy five-set victory over the Choco Mucho Flying Titans 25-21, 18-25, 25-18, 19-25, 15-10, in the 2026 PVL All-Filipino Conference.
Belen matched her career-best 29-point outing to halt the Solar Spikers' two-game skid on Tuesday, Feb. 17, at the Filoil Centre in San Juan.
Despite the big night, Belen stressed that the result was built on discipline and sticking to the game plan against the Flying Titans, who were without star Eya Laure.
"Maganda 'yung pinakita ng team kasi hindi naman madaling kalaban 'yung Choco Mucho. Talagang palaban din sila na team and kami naman, sabi lang namin gawin namin 'yung role namin as a player and kung ano 'yung game plan namin kailangan mag-stick lang don," Belen said during the post-game press conference.
Belen sat out most of the fourth set but returned in the deciding frame, where her timely hits steadied Capital1 during a tense finish.
"'Yun po nangyari nung fifth set, lahat nag-show up kasi dapat talaga kung sino 'yung ilagay, hindi lang isa, hindi lang dalawa, kundi lahat kasi volleyball is a team effort talaga," she shared.
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The Solar Spikers leaned on contributions across the lineup in the final set.
France Ronquillo scored three of her five points in crunch time, while Ezra Madrigal's block on Sisi Rondina put Capital1 at match point, 14-10. An attack error by Choco Mucho ended the match.
Belen, who was recently awarded the 2025 Philippine Sports' Association's Ms. Volleyball, said the fifth set reflected what the team has shown in training.
"'Yung teammates ko naman po talagang sa training pa lang, lahat talaga lumalaban, lahat gustong maglaro, lahat gustong mag-contribute and nakita naman po namin ‘yun sa game na kahit sinong ipasok, kayang mag-contribute," said Belen.
Beyond scoring, Belen highlighted communication and shared experience as part of her role with a retooled Capital1 squad.
"Kung sino 'yung kayang mag-lead kailangan mag-lead," she said. "Nashi-share ko 'yung mga experiences ko and sinasabi ko kung ano 'yung napapansin ko sa team, kahit ongoing 'yung game."
Belen and the Solar Spikers will look to continue their winning ways as they go up against the Creamline Cool Smashers on Saturday, February 17.
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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.