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Manila Bulletin devider Sports devider Volleyball devider Bella Belen sees one more year with NU

Bella Belen sees one more year with NU

Published May 17, 2024 06:35 am

At A Glance

  • Two-time UAAP MVP Bella Belen is still seeing a future with National University even after successfully steering the Lady Bulldogs to their second UAAP title in three seasons following a Finals series sweep of University of Santo Tomas.
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Two-time UAAP MVP Bella Belen is still seeing a future with National University even after successfully steering the Lady Bulldogs to their second UAAP title in three seasons following a Finals series sweep of University of Santo Tomas.

 

UAAP 86 WVB Finals G2 NU vs. UST - Bella Belen-9583.jpg
Bella Belen of NU (UAAP Media)

 

The 21-year-old outside hitter, who was NU’s top performer both in offense and defense in Season 86, was positive about returning for at least another year with the reigning champions.

“Pwede naman. Gusto naman kasi sino ba namang hindi gugustuhing makasama ‘yung palaban na team na grabe ‘yung hard work. Kaya sobrang saya ko na sila ‘yung nakasama ko throughout my collegiate career,” Belen said.

NU remained sharp and focused even after a rough start to the season that saw them suffer a nasty opening day defeat against the very same they turned back in the championship.

But the Lady Bulldogs proved it all comes down to how you finish what you had started.

“Nagkaroon kami ng mga talo this season and maraming mga tao ‘yung hindi naniwala sa amin from that loss lalo na ‘yung una naming talo which was against UST,” Belen said.

“Maraming nag-doubt sa amin na hindi na namin kaya mag-Finals. Nakita ko sa team namin na kaya pa rin mag Finals, siyempre NU pa rin kami, kaya namin. Buo pa rin kami af sama sama kaming lumaban,” she said.

When Belen came into the picture, everything became possible for NU as it finally ended a 65-year title drought in Season 84 during her rookie year that propelled her to become the first-ever Rookie of the Year-Most Valuable Player in the women’s tournament.

Though the Lady Bulldogs briefly lost the crown the following year, there was never a doubt about the third-year Belen’s talent and reliable leadership to lead the squad.

With collegiate players jumping at the earliest possible opportunity to go pro, Belen wants to extend her stay in the UAAP and keep NU’s dominance going.

 

Related Tags

UAAP Season 86 Bella Belen NU Lady Bulldogs
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