After Bella Belen's 26-point output, no other Capital1 player reached double figures, with the next highest scorer finishing with just four points in the team's loss to Creamline.
Bella Belen did everything she could to keep Capital1 within striking distance, but even her latest scoring outburst was not enough to lift her squad past a seasoned Creamline side.
Belen erupted for 26 points in their 18-25, 24-26, 20-25 loss to the Cool Smashers in their PVL All-Filipino Conference joust Saturday, Feb. 21, at the FilOil Centre in San Juan.
She finished as the Solar Spikers’ lone double-digit scorer, with Ypril Tapia coming in next with a measly four points.
Asked about the noticeable scoring gap, Belen stressed that the issue had already been addressed internally.
"Na-address sa dugout," Belen told reporters after the match.
"I mean, siguro, concerning na since volleyball is a team effort. Hindi naman po isa lang."
[RELATED STORY: Galanza proud of Belen's growth after first PVL duel: 'Bella is Bella']
While she acknowledged the concern, Belen was clear that no team can win if only a single person carries the offensive load.
"Hindi talaga mananalo kapag ganoon kalayo 'yong agwat sa scoring," she said.
More helping hands for Belen
Capital1 struggled to find consistent support for Belen throughout the match.
Leila Cruz and Sydney Niegos coughed up three apiece in the loss, while Ysa Jimenez, Ezra Madrigal, France Ronquillo and Cherry Nunag only had two each.
[ALSO READ: From admiration to competition: Bella Belen shares her biggest idols in the PVL]
Bella Belen celebrates with her Capital1 teammates during their match against Creamline. | Photo: RM Chua/One Sports
For now, Belen sees the loss as a reminder of what she and the Solar Spikers still need to fix.
"On my part, I'm always doing my best talaga kung ano 'yong alam kong kaya kong gawin for the team. Kung ano 'yong kaya kong maitulong for the team," Belen said.
"Kailangan lang sigurong bumalik kami sa drawing board. Titingnan namin kung ano pa 'yong kulang namin as a team and as individuals," she added.
Capital1 will look to return to the win column when it faces Farm Fresh Tuesday, Feb. 24.
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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.