Last season’s Rookie-Most Valuable Player Bella Belen is expecting a tough stand in their way as National University takes on De La Salle to end the first round of the UAAP Season 85 women’s volleyball tournament on Wednesday, March 22, at the Mall of Asia Arena in Pasay City.

The Bulldogs, who improved 5-1 after a four-set win over the Far Eastern University Lady Tamaraws last March 18, are looking to deal the unbeaten Lady Spikers their first loss of the season.

However, Belen has noticed a huge difference between the streaking La Salle and the one they had dominated last year including the offseason.

For the sophomore Belen, not only La Salle has improved immensely, but it also gained a “go-to player” in its rookie Angel Canino.

“Ngayon kasi may go-to player na sila. Talagang mas nag-improve po sila ngayon kumpara before ngayon kasi makikita na palaban na rin sila, may mga pumapalo na rin. So magiging challenge siya sa amin, so magpe-prepare lang kami,” said Belen.

Bella Belen looks to rekindle her rivalry with Angel Canino in the seniors tournament. (UAAP Media)

Canino’s consistent showing has gifted La Salle a solid run in six games. NU, meanwhile, stays at the second spot following its five-set beating at the hands of University of Santo Tomas last March 4.

The defending champion, though, refused to be intimidated by La Salle’s perfect record and will be focusing on its preparation ahead of their first duel of the season.

Besides, NU has not dropped a single game against La Salle since Season 81.

“Inexpect naman namin na sila ‘yong last match namin [in the first round]. And you observe naman in the game, siguro balik lang ulit kami sa drawing board. Lalo na may game sila [against Adamson]. I-review namin and then doon kami magsa-start ng magiging game plan namin and preparation. For now, we recover and then prepare for Wednesday,” said NU head coach Karl Dimaculangan.