Creamline star Jema Galanza noted how Capital1 standout Bella Belen has become a more complete player after their first faceoff in the PVL.
Jema Galanza has seen Bella Belen up close long before their first PVL showdown, which is why facing her now brings both pride and pressure.
Galanza produced 13 points, needing to team up with Tots Carlos (15 points) and Bernadeth Pons (14) to help Creamline negate Belen's 26-point explosion for Capital1 Saturday, Feb. 21.
The Cool Smashers completed a 25-18, 26-24, 25-20 sweep of the Solar Spikers for their third straight win, but that did not stop Galanza from raining praise
on Belen.
"Bella is Bella," Galanza told One Sports.
"Since high school, alam niya na 'yong kaya niyang gawin. Ngayon, mas nag-grow pa siya at mas marami pa siyang kayang gawin ngayon sa pro."
Belen finished as the lone double-digit scorer for Capital1, with the next highest scorer in Ypril Tapia producing only four points. The three-time UAAP Most Valuable Player also had nine digs.
Galanza could not help but be proud of Belen, whose top-notch skills only pushes the Creamline ace to be at her best.
"Nakaka-proud and nakaka-challenge na kalaban si Bella," she said.
"As a competitor, matsa-challenge ka talaga kasi sobrang galing niya. Sobrang humble din."
"Gusto mo talagang mag-push para hindi man maangatan, masabayan mo siya," she added.
Bella Belen's attack punches through Creamline's defense. | Photo: RM Chua/One Sports
Just getting better
Belen previously named Galanza as her biggest idol in the PVL. This earned a lighthearted response from the former league MVP.
"Feeling ko nagayuma ko na si Bella simula noong naging roommate ko siya," Galanza joked.
But beneath the humor is a connection Galanza traces back to their time together with Alas Pilipinas Women during the 2024 FIVB Challenger Cup in Manila.
"Parang may connection na lang kami na hindi namin alam kung paano nagsimula," Galanza said.
"Nag-click lang talaga kami sa national team kaya siguro nagkakaintindihan kami."
Jema Galanza says facing Bella Belen keeps her on her toes. | Photo: RM Chua/One Sports
Galanza also pointed to how much Belen has grown since their national team stint in 2024, when flashes of her talent were already evident.
"Noong national team, feeling ko hindi pa talaga lumalabas 'yong laro niya," Galanza recalled. "Pero noong nandoon siya, alam mong may something."
Now, with Belen gaining more confidence, Galanza sees a far more complete player in her.
"Mas nalalabas na ngayon kasi tinutulungan siya ng teammates niya, binibigyan siya ng confidence ng coaches," she said.
"All-out na siya. Hindi lang sa palo [kung hindi] pati sa depensa at service. Lahat nasa kaniya."
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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.