Alyssa Valdez praised Bella Belen's character while also looking forward to their first PVL meeting as the Creamline Cool Smashers face the Capital1 Solar Spikers.
Alyssa Valdez has nothing but praise for Bella Belen, but the Creamline superstar is just as eager to give the newest Philippine Sportswriters Association Ms. Volleyball awardee a proper test when their teams collide this weekend.
Valdez congratulated Belen after the Cool Smashers' four-set win over the ZUS Coffee Thunderbelles, where the veteran spiker finished with seven points to help her squad nab back-to-back wins in the 2026 PVL All-Filipino Conference.
But beyond the accolades and numbers, Valdez said what truly stands out is Belen’s approach to the game.
"More than her skills, I actually admire her character, personality on and off the court—talagang never say die, nandoon ’yung grit, 'yung disiplina," she said.
"I can't wait for her to blossom to be someone na mas iidolohin pa ng maraming kabataan."
That admiration, however, will take a back seat once the whistle blows.
After all, Creamline will look to contain Belen, who erupted for a career-high 29 points in Capital1's five-set win over Choco Mucho.
"But our game this Saturday, very excited and looking forward na sana mabigyan namin siya ng magandang laban," Valdez added.
Saturday's showdown between Creamline and the Capital1 Solar Spikers will mark the first PVL meeting between the two three-time UAAP MVPs, who also share the same birthday.
Valdez enters the matchup embracing her current role off the bench, emphasizing that readiness remains her priority regardless of minutes.
"Well, in practice kasi we still do the trainings na ina-ask pa rin sa amin ng mga coaches," she said.
"The mindset is gawin ko lahat, ibigay ko ’yung 100 percent ko. Para kapag tatawagin tayo ng coaches, ready pa rin tayo."
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She also highlighted Creamline's team-first culture, where roles may shift but support never wavers.
"It’s a team sport, hindi naman nasa loob," Valdez said. "Sa team naman, we definitely support each other, and we are very proud of each other kung sino 'yung nagsa-shine. Talagang full support kaming lahat."
It's safe to say that all eyes will be on the Valdez-Belen matchup when the Cool Smashers and Solar Spikers battle it out at the FilOil Centre in San Juan City.
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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.