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Manila Bulletin devider Sports devider Volleyball devider NU's Belen eyes big UAAP farewell

NU's Belen eyes big UAAP farewell

Published Feb 14, 2025 07:57 am

At A Glance

  • A fitting farewell -- no less than hoisting another UAAP women's volleyball championship trophy -- is what outside hitter Bella Belen hopes when another season fires off this weekend.

A fitting farewell -- no less than hoisting another UAAP women’s volleyball championship trophy -- is what outside hitter Bella Belen hopes when another season fires off this weekend.

UAAP_86_WVB_NU_6973_8dd889327a.jpg
NU Lady Bulldogs (UAAP Media)

Playing in her final year, the 22-year-old Belen aims to make the most out of it as she feels more excited than pressured to deliver for the National University Lady Bulldogs.

“Sobrang excited to play ngayon kasi this is my final year for NU and gusto namin mag back-to-back (championship) kasi hindi namin nagawa ‘yon no’ng Season 85,” said Belen.

She was referring to their stint in 2022 where they almost clinched a second straight crown, but came up short and bowed to the De La Salle Green Archers.

They returned the following year and completed a redemption tour to regain the crown, and are hungry to extend it.

“Mas iba yung mindset ng team, kasi mas mahirap mag-defend ng crown kaysa umagaw ng crown,” said Belen. “So sabi namin sa sarili namin na dapat ready kami sa mga challenge na pwede iharap sa amin ng ibang teams.”

Under new coach Sherwin Meneses, Belen was even more determined than ever to cement the team’s status in the collegiate scene. After all, Meneses was known for guiding pro team Creamline to multiple championships.

“Si coach Sherwin (Meneses) po kasi marami na sya experience… siguro ‘yong bago naming natutuhan (sa kanya) is parang mas napadali samin ‘yong paglalaro ng volleyball,” Belen said.

“Kumbaga madali na sya, pero at the same time, mas namulat pa kami na ay mas pwede pa palang ikadali,” she added. “Na ‘di komplikado lahat ng bagay na sa sobrang simple pwedeng ma-achieve ‘yong mga gustong ma-achieve.”

The Lady Bulldogs kick off their campaign against the Green Archers on Sunday, Feb. 16, at the Mall of Asia Arena.

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NU Lady Bulldogs UAAP Bella Belen
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