Bella Belen of National University and Josh Ybañez of University of Santo Tomas earned the Most Valuable Player awards in the UAAP Season 86 women’s and men’s volleyball tournaments on Wednesday, May 15, at the Mall of Asia Arena in Pasay City. 

The high-flying outside hitters topped the individual honors following their brilliant performances in their respective divisions that saw them steer their squads to the Finals. 

After missing out on the award last season which she first won during her debut in Season 84, the 21-year-old spiker reclaimed the MVP title after amassing 82.2 statistical points. 

Belen, who is in her third year, demonstrated consistency throughout the elimination round as the Lady Bulldogs’ best offensive and defensive player. 

The 5-foot-7 stalwart ranked seventh in scoring in the league with 205 points, accumulated from 179 attacks, 15 blocks, and 11 aces.

She stood as the sixth most efficient spiker at 36.53%, the eighth best server at 0.22 per set, the sixth best digger at 2.3 per set,and the second best receiver with a 48.3% efficiency rate.

Belen led the Lady Bulldogs to a 12-2 elimination round record for the top seed that earned them the first twice-to-beat advantage. 

UST's impressive freshman and this season’s Rookie of the Year Angge Poyos came in close second with 76.964 SPs 

Poyos ranked as the second-best scorer in the league with 290 points from 249 attacks, 23 aces and 18 blocks. She emerged as the third most efficient spiker at 40.75% and the best server at 0.41 aces/set. 

For the second consecutive season, Josh Ybanez of UST has been recognized as the top student-athlete in the UAAP men’s volleyball tournament.

The 5-foot-7 spiker from General Santos City was bestowed with the Season 86 MVP award following similarly superb showing in his rookie year. 

Ybanez, a sophomore, garnered 89.643 statistical points, securing a decisive victory for the top individual honor in the league.