Bella Belen and Jade Disquitado were instrumental to NU's success both in the UAAP Season 86 women's and men's volleyball tournament during the past week.
National University had a stellar showing in the third week of the UAAP Season 86 volleyball tournaments, with their men's and women's teams securing victories in both of their games during that period.
Bella Belen stood out with impressive performances, earning her the UAAP Player of the Week award presented by San Miguel Corporation for her contributions from March 4 to March 10.
Her stats included 19 points, 19 digs, and 11 excellent receptions against Far Eastern University. She then put up 11 points, 10 digs, and five receptions against the University of the East.
“We’re really happy kasi nakita namin na lahat is kayang mag contribute sa team,” said the Season 84 MVP and Rookie of the Year, whose squad just won five straight games.
“'Yung team naman namin is we’re not building star players kasi. Gusto namin lahat kami paangat, gusto namin walang naiiwan,” the Lady Bulldogs star added.
[ALSO READ: UAAP: All 14 players seeing action vs. UE a testament to NU's team development, says Bella Belen]
Belen outperformed competitors such as De La Salle University’s Angel Canino, University of Santo Tomas super rookie Angge Poyos, and Far Eastern University standout Gerz Petallo to clinch the weekly honor.
The decision was made by college journalists who regularly cover the beat and was supported by minor sponsors Discovery Suites and Jockey.
Meanwhile, during the Bulldogs' own five-game winning streak in men's play, Jade Disquitado proved to be just as essential as Belen.
His standout performance in NU's victory against the FEU Tamaraws included a career-best 29-point game and 23 receptions. He continued to contribute with 15 points, four receptions, and two digs in the subsequent match against UE.
Despite his individual achievements, Disquitado attributed all credit to his coach Dante Alinsunirin, and his teammates.
“Masaya lang ako kasi maganda 'yung pinakita ko, pero sumunod lang naman ako sa sistema ni coach Dante, pati sa mga teammates ko,” said Disquitado.
[ALSO READ: UAAP: Jade Disquitado detonates for 29, as NU deals FEU first loss to forge three-way tie for top spot]
Alinsunirin likewise praised the 5-foot-11 outside hitter's development both on and off the court.
“In terms of skills, tumaas na yung receiving niya tiyaka 'yung floor defense niya,” said Alinsunurin. “Pero hindi lang sa loob ng court, kasi sobrang sipag niya sa training, at maganda na yung nagiging focus niya. Sana tuloy tuloy na.”
Disquitado received the men’s Player of the Week Honors over teammate Owa Retamar, La Salle’s Vince Maglinao, and Ateneo’s Jian Salarzon.