Bella Belen just keeps reaching new heights.
The star outside spiker delivered another show-stopping performance, carrying Capital1 to a dramatic five-set victory over an Eya Laure-less Choco Mucho, 25-21, 18-25, 25-18, 19-25, 15-10, in the 2026 PVL All-Filipino Conference at the Filoil Centre.
The top overall pick of the 2025 PVL Rookie Draft erupted for 29 points—matching her career-high set back in the UAAP Season 85 semifinals when she led National University past Adamson University on May 3, 2023. It was the third time in four games that Belen has reset her pro career-high, following 26 points in Capital1’s debut win over ZUS Coffee and 28 in a close loss to PLDT. Her streak of 20-point games now stretches to four in the all-local tournament.
The 23-year-old scored five points in the fifth set alone, racking up 25 attacks, two kill blocks, and two aces, along with 15 excellent digs and seven excellent receptions. Her heroics evened the Solar Spikers’ record at 2-2.
“For me, maganda ‘yung pinakita ng team kasi hindi naman madaling kalaban ‘yung Choco Mucho,” said Belen, who took a brief rest in the fourth set to stretch before returning to lead her squad in the decider.
Belen capped her brilliant outing by receiving the Philippine Sportswriters Association’s Ms. Volleyball Award right after the match—a recognition she had missed the previous night at the Diamond Hotel while under the weather.
“Very honored and grateful talaga kasi hindi ko naman po ineexpect na magkakaroon po ako ng ganitong klaseng award, kasi hindi po siya birong awards—maraming magagaling at talented na players. So, I’m very thankful sa PSA, kung sino man po ang nagboto, maraming salamat po,” she said.
After battling cramps in the fourth set, Belen returned in the fifth and broke a 6-all deadlock with back-to-back hits, including a clutch cut shot that gave Capital1 an 8-6 lead. She briefly faltered on the next rally but quickly recovered with consecutive conversions, helping the Solar Spikers build a lead they never gave up. Sydney Niegos and Ezra Madrigal sealed the two-hour, 18-minute triumph.
“Talagang palaban din sila na team, and kami naman, sabi lang namin gawin namin ‘yung role namin as a player, at kung ano ‘yung game plan namin, kailangan mag-stick lang doon,” added Belen.
Belen was the lone double-digit scorer for Capital1, while Madrigal and Shaya Adorador contributed seven points each. Roma Mae Doromal posted 22 excellent receptions, and Pauline Gaston and Ysa Jimenez added six markers apiece, helping the Solar Spikers rebound from back-to-back losses to Nxled and PLDT.
Capital1 will aim for back-to-back wins against Creamline on Saturday, 4 p.m., at the Filoil Centre.
