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Manila Bulletin devider Sports devider Volleyball devider Belen vows to bounce back stronger after tough PVL debut loss

Belen vows to bounce back stronger after tough PVL debut loss

Published Oct 8, 2025 11:43 am  |  Updated Oct 8, 2025 02:52 pm

At A Glance

  • Though the match is scheduled for a replay after foreign players have been cleared to compete, Belen vowed to continue proving her worth, recognizing that the game gave her a glimpse of what lies ahead in the next chapter of her volleyball career.
Bella Belen scores 20 points for Capital1 in a tough three-set loss against Choco Mucho. (PVL Images)
Bella Belen scores 20 points for Capital1 in a tough three-set loss against Choco Mucho. (PVL Images)
Top rookie pick Bella Belen is determined to come back stronger for Capital1 after the Solar Spikers fell short in their opening match of the Premier Volleyball League Reinforced Conference of Tuesday, Oct. 7.
The three-time UAAP MVP delivered with an impressive 20-point performance in her professional debut, but her efforts weren’t enough as Capital1 absorbed a tight 33-31, 26-24, 25-23 loss to the Choco Mucho Flying Titans at the Ynares Center in Montalban, Rizal.
Though the match is scheduled for a replay after foreign players have been cleared to compete, Belen vowed to continue proving her worth, recognizing that the game gave her a glimpse of what lies ahead in the next chapter of her volleyball career.
The 23-year-old outside hitter also added that she was more focused on contributing to a team hungry for a breakthrough after a string of forgettable finishes in the past conferences.
“Ako naman po, kasi lagi ko lang iniisip kung ano yung kaya kong i-contribute sa game, and kung ano pa yung mga kaya kong gawin sa mga susunod na games,” said the former National University standout, who also added 18 excellent digs and 12 receptions.
“Kasi yung mga scores, mga stats, hindi ko naman masyado iniisip. Kailangan ko lang talaga mag-perform ng maayos,” she added.
Eager to prove her worth, Belen said she still has a lot left to show.
“Feeling ko, mas kaya ko pa siyang itaas,” she said of her performance. “Mas may kaya pa akong gawin, pero okay na rin siguro since first game, so may jitters, ganyan. I think mas kaya ko pa siyang gandahan pa sa susunod the games.”
Her next opportunity comes on Monday, Oct. 13, when Capital1 faces the veteran-laden PLDT High Speed Hitters at the Smart Araneta Coliseum.
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