Bella Belen and Josh Ybanez delivered crucial victories for the NU Lady Bulldogs and the UST Golden Spikers respectively in the UAAP Season 86 volleyball tournaments just before the Holy Week break.
Bella Belen and Josh Ybañez truly showcased their leadership and skill during crucial second round games of UAAP Season 86.
The two MVPs exemplified the qualities of exceptional leaders—leading by example, uplifting their teammates, and delivering outstanding performances when it matters most.
Their contributions undoubtedly played a pivotal role in their teams' successes during this crucial phase of the tournament, thus earning them the recognition of the Collegiate Press Corps’ UAAP Player of the Week awards, presented by the San Miguel Corporation.
Belen's remarkable display included a stellar performance against the UP Fighting Maroons, where she notched 21 points along with 12 excellent receptions and eight excellent digs in a hard-fought victory.
She followed this up with an even more impressive showing against the Golden Tigresses, finishing with a triple-double of 24 points, 13 digs, and 10 receptions to end UST's unbeaten streak.
Belen's emotional reaction after the intense match highlighted her appreciation for her teammates' efforts, emphasizing the collective contribution to their success.
“Ayaw namin kasi maulit ‘yung nangyari noong La Salle game na after the game, mayroon kaming what ifs, mayroon kaming panghihinayang,” said Belen, who earned her second weekly nod this season.
The first-ever UAAP women’s Rookie-MVP secured a unanimous victory for the weekly award, prevailing over competitors including her teammate Vange Alinsug, UST’s Regina Jurado, Ateneo’s Zel Tsunashima, UE’s Casiey Dongallo, and La Salle’s Angel Canino. This recognition was supported by minor sponsors Discovery Suites and Jockey.
“Siguro naging mindset lang namin is dapat after nitong game, wala kaming what ifs, kailangan ibigay talaga yung best namin and ‘yun, naging emotional po kaming lahat kasi talagang nakita namin na binigay namin ‘yung best namin,” Belen added.
Ybañez, meanwhile, had a remarkable performance, achieving a career-best 34 points and 25 excellent receptions on Sunday.
His efforts were pivotal in UST's elimination round sweep of three-time defending champion NU, orchestrating a thrilling comeback from a 0-2 deficit to win in five sets with a final score of 28-30, 22-25, 25-23, 25-22, 15-9.
“Masaya naman po ako kasi actually kahit hindi ko nakikita ‘yung score, as long as kaya kong mag-contribute sa team, kahit sa anong pamamaraan, sa malakas man o sa mahina, gagawin ko po ‘yun,” said Ybañez, who won his second straight weekly citation.
The reigning MVP narrowly surpassed contenders such as Ateneo’s Jian Salarzon and Ken Batas, NU’s Jade Disquitado, Adamson’s Francis Casas, and FEU’s Jayjay Javelona to claim the citation.
“Sobrang happy ako kasi it’s a collaborative effort. Nag-contribute lang ako, pero ‘yung team ang nagpanalo,” added Ybañez.
Sunday's remarkable victory served as a timely redemption for the Golden Spikers following their heartbreaking defeat on Wednesday. In that match, they suffered a five-set loss to an underdog Ateneo team, squandering Ybañez's previous career-best scoring record of 33 points.
Led by Belen, NU improved to a 7-2 record, keeping within striking distance of the league leaders UST (8-1) and La Salle (7-1) in the women's division, where securing a top-2 spot and the twice-to-beat advantage in the Final Four remains a coveted goal.
Meanwhile, Ybañez's heroic efforts helped UST maintain its position in the Final Four race, as the Golden Spikers currently stand joint fourth with Ateneo in the men's division with 5-4 records.
The UAAP volleyball tournaments will now observe a break for the Holy Week before returning to action on April 3.
The upcoming matches will feature NU against UE and UST against Adamson in both the women's and men's divisions, set to take place at the Mall of Asia Arena.