Capital1 superstar Bella Belen continues to show support for the NU Lady Bulldogs ahead of their three-peat bid in UAAP Season 88.
Even as she continues to build her career in the PVL, Bella Belen makes sure to keep a close eye on her alma mater.
With several changes surrounding the NU Lady Bulldogs heading into UAAP Season 88, Belen expressed full confidence that her former team will remain a contender despite her departure, along with Alyssa Solomon, Erin Pangilinan, and Sheena Toring.
Leading the way for the defending champions in Season 88 will be Lams Lamina, Vange Alinsug, Shaira Jardio, Arah Panique, and Celine Marsh.
"I'm very confident sa team na kahit ang daming changes,” Belen told One Sports. "Pero siyempre 'yung core, 'yung players naman naglalaro eh, lalo na at nandiyan pa sina Camilla, si Vangie, 'yung mga seniors. I'm very confident sa kanila na kaya nilang dalhin ‘yung team."
[ALSO READ: Arah Panique embraces bigger role for defending champion NU in UAAP Season 88]
The three-time UAAP MVP believes the Lady Bulldogs’ culture of competitiveness remains intact, regardless of personnel shifts.
Tasked to lead NU in Season 88 is head coach Regine Diego, who replaced Sherwin Meneses during the offseason.
"Very competitive naman si NU. Kahit sino ilagay mo or kahit sinong mag-coach sa kanila, I know ilalaban at ilalaban talaga nila 'yan," she said. "I'm very happy kung anoman 'yung ginagawa nila ngayon at kung ano 'yung narating nila. I'm very excited na mapanood sila lalo sa first game against UST."
[ALSO READ: Sam Cantada ready to make mark as NU's prized rookie in UAAP Season 88]
Beyond her confidence in the roster, Belen also called on the NU faithful to continue backing the team this season.
“Sana rin ‘yung fans, please continue rin to support the NU Lady Bulldogs. Kasi napapansin rin namin na hindi ganun karami nagsu-support, so sana pagpatuloy niyo pag-supportahan ‘yung NU Lady Bulldogs pati Capital1,” she added.
Despite juggling her commitments with the Capital1 Solar Spikers, Belen made it clear she intends to catch NU's games whenever her schedule allows.
"Manonood talaga ako. Pag I have time, siyempre may training din kami, may games kami pero for sure nandun ako," Belen said.
"Nandun ako [manonood] tas pag may jersey ako, sige maglalaro," she even joked.
[ALSO READ: National University officially retires Bella Belen's No. 4 jersey in emotional pep rally]
Because for Belen, the UAAP atmosphere remains unmatched, even from the stands.
"For sure, gusto ko manood game nila kasi iba pa rin talaga pag UAAP na kahit hindi ka naglalaro, iba pa rin talaga 'yung atmosphere."
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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.