Bella Belen believed that the Capital1 Solar Spikers had the game plan to beat the Cignal Super Spikers in their 2026 PVL All-Filipino Conference showdown.
Bella Belen admitted feeling frustrated after Capital1 fell short against Cignal in their crucial 2026 PVL All-Filipino Conference duel on Saturday at the FilOil Centre.
The Solar Spikers bowed to the Super Spikers in straight sets, which also ended Belen's streak of seven straight 20-point performances in the conference.
Despite the personal milestone coming to an end, the three-time UAAP MVP stressed that individual numbers were never her focus.
"Hindi ko naman siya like hinahangad. Ang gusto ko lang is makapag-perform ng maayos for the team and ganun din 'yung team namin, and sana makakuha ng panalo," Belen told reporters after the match.
What made the loss more frustrating for the young superstar was how well the team had prepared heading into the match.
"These past few days ang ganda ng tinatraining namin kaya after nung game parang frustrated ako sa ginawa namin," she said.
"Before eh, ang gaganda ng mga training namin. So siguro 'yun 'yung kulang namin na hindi namin nadadala sa game. Kung ano 'yung pinagta-training na namin kasi pulido 'yung training talaga namin."
Belen shared that Capital1 had laid out a clear game plan against Cignal, but seemingly struggled to execute it when it mattered most.
Next to Belen's 16-point effort, Sydney Niegos contributed 10 markers, while the next top scorer for the Solar Spikers was courtesy of France Ronquillo with five points.
"Ang dami namin hindi nagawa na maayos. Parang hindi naging maayos 'yung sistema namin sa loob ng court. Kumbaga parang hindi kami isa naglaro."
[ALSO READ: Bella Belen finds Capital1 scoring gap 'concerning' as 'volleyball is team effort']
While fatigue was not a factor for her, Belen said the frustration stemmed from knowing how much more the team is capable of showing.
"I mean, 'yung fatigue, hindi ko talaga siya nararamdaman. I believe sa capability ng team kaya siguro ako na-frustrate," she said.
"Nakikita ko 'yung potential ng team ng bawat isa na meron pa kaming kayang gawin. May maganda kaming pwedeng mapakita."
[ALSO READ: Bella Belen stresses trust in teammates as Capital1 shows growth in PVL All-Filipino]
For Belen, the key now is to move forward quickly as Capital1 (3-5) prepares for its next match against the Galeries Tower Highrisers next Saturday, March 21.
"Siguro kailangan namin isipin kung ano ‘yung gusto namin makamit this conference. Kung gusto ba namin manalo o parang naglalaro lang kami," she said.
"I believe kaya namin mapanalo talaga 'yung game. Kailangan lang maging consistent and kailangan magkaroon kami ng tiwala sa isa't isa team."
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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.