Bella Belen's leadership was in full force during NU's five-set win over Ateneo in the UAAP Season 86 women's volleyball tournament on Saturday, Feb. 24.
When needed the most, Bella Belen did not fail to deliver for the NU Lady Bulldogs as they survive the Ateneo Blue Eagles in five sets, 25-17, 24-26, 26-28, 25-19, 15-7, in the UAAP Season 86 women's volleyball tournament at the Mall of Asia Arena in Pasay on Saturday, Feb. 24.
Belen had an all-around game for the Lady Bulldogs as she finished with 21 points while also having 24 excellent digs and 10 excellent receptions.
The Season 84 Rookie-MVP was integral in NU's fifth-set explosion to avoid another upset in the tournament.
For Belen, taking on the leadership role for the Lady Bulldogs is something that she has already grown accustomed to.
"Nung fifth set, ang mindset ko is as an ate, kailangan mapakita ko sa kanila kung paano dapat namin makuha 'yung set na ito and dapat hindi sila makakita sakin ng takot," Belen said during the post-game press conference.
"Kailangan pakita ko lang 'yung tiwala sa team namin and napakita ko na kaya namin kasi from that, susundan nila kung ano 'yung ginagawa ko and maganda na-trabaho namin as a team 'yung fifth set," she added.
Coach Norman Miguel likewise was full of praises for Belen after seeing her maturity even during her high school days.
"Pag kinakausap ko si Bella, importante sa kanya 'yung hindi siya tutukod kasi siya talaga 'yung pinupuntahan ng team," said Miguel.
"Everybody is looking up to her, so alam ko may pressure sa kanya 'yun pero since mature nga siya, naha-handle niya. Kaya ako, proud ako sa kanya," he added.
Belen will look to lead the Lady Bulldogs to victory once more as they face the Adamson Lady Falcons on Wednesday, February 28, at the Smart Araneta Coliseum in Quezon City at 2:00 p.m.