Bella Belen made her much-anticipated Premier Volleyball League debut a night to remember, showcasing the poise and versatility that made her the top overall pick in the 2025 Draft.
Even so, her heroics weren’t enough to lift Capital1 past Choco Mucho in a thrilling three-set showdown at the Ynares Center in Montalban.
The 23-year-old outside hitter carried the Solar Spikers’ offensive and defensive responsibilities with remarkable efficiency, delivering 20 points, 18 excellent digs, and 12 stellar receptions.
Belen’s two-way dominance mirrored the impact she had during her time at National University, proving that her collegiate accolades were just the beginning of what she can bring to the professional stage.
“Siyempre, I'm very happy kasi yung nga, nakapaglaro na ako. But sadly, hindi kami nanalo. Sayang kasi parang feeling ko kaya naman na ma-push pa yung game pero kinapos kami,” Belen said after the 33-31, 26-24, 25-23 defeat.
Despite the close loss, Belen remained focused on her personal contribution and the work ahead, rather than dwelling on stats or the scoreboard.
“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. Kasi like ‘yung mga scores, mga stats, hindi ko naman masyado iniisip. Kailangan ko lang talaga mag-perform ng maayos,” she explained.
Even with first-game jitters, Belen is confident that she has more to offer in the matches to come. Her sights are set on refining her game, building consistency, and fully adjusting to the faster pace and higher stakes of professional volleyball.
“Feeling ko, mas kaya ko pa siyang itaas. 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 na games,” she said.
Belen stressed the importance of patience and embracing the challenge of a league where every opponent is hungry for victory. She also acknowledged leaving behind the fears that occasionally limited her in the UAAP, determined now to approach every play with confidence and aggression.
“Siguro kailangan ‘yung patience ko sa paglalaro doon kasi ibang level na to eh. Hindi na katulad ng UAAP. Ibang level lang talaga. Parang lahat gusto manalo ganyan. Kahit yung mga kalaban, so ayun, kailangan may patience lang talaga sa sarili and sa team,” she said.
“Siguro may times kasi before, nung nasa NU ako, like Season 85, may takot sa part sa galaw ko. So siguro ngayon, hindi na. So, naiwan ko na siya sa UAAP, so ngayon, parang kailangan talaga laging palaban.”
