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Tag: Bella Belen

  • Sydney Niegos admits heartbreak after being cut by Capital1, shines in PVL comeback

    Sydney Niegos admits heartbreak after being cut by Capital1, shines in PVL comeback

    The Capital1 Solar Spikers continued their climb up the 2026 Premier Volleyball League (PVL) All-Filipino Conference standings with a hard-fought 3-2 victory over the Farm Fresh Foxies at the FilOil Center on Thursday, February 26. The match, which ended 26-24, 20-25, 28-26, 20-25, 15-11, showcased a blend of star power, resilience, and the emergence of a surprise hero in a game that kept fans on the edge of their seats.

     

    While UAAP standout and team centerpiece Bella Belen once again dominated the scoreboard, tallying 23 points in her sixth consecutive 20-plus performance, the win was a team effort, with several key contributors stepping up at critical moments.

     

    Outside of Belen, the Solar Spikers saw impressive contributions from Shaya Adorador, who recorded 14 points, and both Pauline Gaston and Cherry Nunag, who added eight points apiece. However, the most remarkable story of the night came from Sydney Niegos, who erupted for a career-high 20 points, including clutch plays during the deciding fifth set.

     

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    Niegos’ performance carried added weight, given her journey over the offseason. After the team decided not to renew her contract, she spent weeks grappling with disappointment and a sense of uncertainty about her volleyball career. At one point, she even began a new role outside of sports, enrolling as an enforcer with the Land Transportation Office, before receiving a second chance from head coach Jorge Souza De Brito.

     

    “When I got removed from the team, I was really down. For a whole month, I didn’t even look at volleyball or step on the court. I didn’t play at all. I got accepted to be an enforcer at the Land Transportation Office. I was already in the seminar when I got a call from Jorge Souza De Brito,” Niegos said during the post-match press conference.

     

    The former Jose Rizal University standout did not hesitate to return. “It’s different when the coach calls you; it means he believes in you. I didn’t want to waste the opportunity. You know how it is in volleyball — only a few make it to the pros. So I grabbed it.”

    Niegos’ redemption arc was on full display as she helped Capital1 overcome Farm Fresh, a team the Solar Spikers had never beaten in their two-year history. “I just want to prove to the coach that bringing me back wasn’t a mistake. I want to help Bella and contribute to the team. I just want to give my all so we can win, especially against Farm Fresh. We have been together for two years and had never beaten them until now, so I’m really proud that we finally did,” she said.

     

    Coach De Brito echoed his confidence in Niegos’ ability to continue producing on the court. “I’m really confident that she can deliver more than this and be more consistent. But for now, I’m happy because she trusts the process and also trusts her teammate,” he said.

     

    This victory sees Capital1 improve to a 3-3 record, moving up to sixth place in the All-Filipino Conference standings. While their record is balanced at the midpoint of the tournament, the team is beginning to hit its stride, blending Belen’s scoring dominance with Niegos’ renewed energy and the supporting cast’s timely contributions.

     

    The win also underscores Capital1’s ability to perform under pressure. Each set was fiercely contested, with multiple points decided by razor-thin margins. The Solar Spikers’ resilience, particularly in the decisive fifth set, demonstrates their capacity to withstand adversity and execute in high-stakes situations — a quality that could prove crucial as the conference progresses.

     

    Looking ahead, Capital1 aims to maintain their momentum as they prepare to face the Akari Chargers on Saturday, March 7, again at the FilOil Center. The Chargers, who have been formidable opponents in the league, will test the Solar Spikers’ ability to translate their hard-earned confidence into consistent results.

     

    If the Solar Spikers can build on the cohesion displayed against Farm Fresh, particularly with Belen and Niegos firing on all cylinders, they have the potential to climb further in the standings and become serious contenders in the PVL All-Filipino Conference.

     

    With a mix of talent, determination, and players hungry to prove themselves, the Capital1 Solar Spikers are a team on the rise — one whose narrative extends beyond scores and stats, encompassing redemption, teamwork, and the relentless pursuit of victory.

     

     

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  • Bella Belen looks up to these PVL stars as she builds her pro career

    Bella Belen looks up to these PVL stars as she builds her pro career

    Bella Belen’s transition to the professional stage has come with immediate attention—but for the young standout, development still begins with learning from the players who defined the league before her.

     

    Now carving out her role with the Capital1 Solar Spikers, Belen recently shared how several established stars in the Premier Volleyball League continue to shape her mindset and playing style. Despite her rapid rise, the rookie standout remains focused on absorbing lessons from veterans known for their consistency and versatility.

     

    Speaking to One Sports, Belen pointed to players whose work ethic and all-around impact have become benchmarks for her own growth.

     

    At the top of her list is Jema Galanza, a player she has already observed closely both on and off the court.

     

    “Siguro si ate Jema since nakasama ko na siya and nakita ko kung paano siya magtrabaho as a player and as a teammate. So, siya rin and all-around player siya,” said Belen.

     

    Belen also credited Ara Galang, whose influence dates back to her collegiate days and continues to carry over into the professional ranks.

     

    “Second, si ate Ara. Ever since collegiate level pa lang siya, parang UAAP pa lang siya, idol ko na talaga siya.”

     

    It was only natural for Alyssa Valdez to make Belen’s list—one of the sport’s most recognizable figures whose reliability remains a standard across generations.

     

    “Siyempre si Ate Alyssa since isa siya sa mga legend sa UAAP and ngayon naman napapakita niya parin na every time ipapasok siya sa court talagang maasahan siya ng team,” Belen said.

     

     

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    Another influence is Brooke Van Sickle, whom Belen previously played with in the national team setup.

     

    “Ate Brooke, naging ka-teammate ko rin siya before sa national team,” said Belen. “Kala ko nga makukuha namin siya [sa Capital1]. So ayun, Ate Brooke kasi all-around player din siya.”

     

    Rounding out her list is one of the league’s most respected playmakers, Jia De Guzman—though Belen kept her admiration playful.

     

    “Ate Jia talaga. So, wait. Ate Jia, pag tayo po nagkalaban, please sit out muna kayo, ha?”

     

    Belen’s appreciation for elite competition was put into perspective when the Creamline Cool Smashers showcased their defensive depth in a straight-sets victory over Capital1 at the Filoil EcoOil Centre.

     

    Despite the loss, Belen emerged as a bright spot—continuing to prove why she is considered one of the league’s most promising young stars.

     

    For Belen, the experience reinforced a simple reality: the path to becoming a complete professional player is built not only through performance, but through studying the standards set by the very athletes she now competes against.

     

     

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  • Jia De Guzman and Jema Galanza laud Bella Belen’s competitive fire

    Jia De Guzman and Jema Galanza laud Bella Belen’s competitive fire

    Rookie standout Bella Belen is quickly turning her debut campaign into one of the defining storylines of the 2026 Premier Volleyball League All-Filipino Conference, blending explosive scoring with refined all-around play to emerge as the centerpiece of the Capital1 Solar Spikers.

     

    Through the opening stretch of the conference, Belen leads the league’s Best Scorers list with a commanding 106 total points. Her output — 96 attacks, seven blocks, and just three faults — highlights not only her scoring volume but also her efficiency. On a nightly basis, the 23-year-old has carried the offensive burden for Capital1, often absorbing the brunt of opposing teams’ top defensive schemes.

     

    Her influence goes beyond raw production. Belen ranks third among the league’s Best Spikers, converting 96 of 266 attempts for a 36.09 percent success rate. The mark underscores her ability to sustain efficiency despite heavy usage — an uncommon trait for a rookie navigating the demands of the professional level.

     

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    Still, Capital1’s heavy reliance on Belen has become a growing talking point.

    That dependence was evident in the Solar Spikers’ straight-sets defeat, 18-25, 24-26, 20-25, to defending champions Creamline Cool Smashers on Saturday, February 21, at the FilOil Centre. Belen once again delivered a standout performance with 26 points, but offensive support was limited. Ypril Tapi added just four markers as the next-highest scorer, underscoring the pronounced scoring gap.

     

    Despite the loss, Belen’s competitiveness drew praise from Creamline’s veteran leaders Jia De Guzman and Jema Galanza, who commended not only her talent but also her relentless drive.

     

    “Yung number one kay Bella diyan, she is very competitive, like what we expected. As much as we want to put a stop to her scoring, na-expect din namin na she will keep scoring, and she will fight until the end,” De Guzman said in a media interaction.

     

    “Makikita mo talaga sa kanya na yung fighting spirit niya. Siya yung mga pro na hindi susuko. Kaya siya pa yung magbibigay talaga ng motivation sa teammates niya. So, sobrang happy lang for her na ang laki na, mas go-grow siya ngayon sa pro,” Galanza added.

     

    For all of Belen’s individual brilliance, the Solar Spikers sit at 2-3, good for seventh place and the lower half of the standings. As the conference unfolds, establishing greater offensive balance and strengthening team chemistry will be critical if Capital1 hopes to translate its rookie star’s breakout run into sustained success.

     

    The Solar Spikers aim to rebound — and ease the scoring load on Belen — when they face the Farm Fresh Foxies on Thursday, February 26, at the FilOil Centre, a pivotal opportunity to regain momentum and prove that their rising star’s brilliance can fuel collective gains.

     

     

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  • Bella Belen admits scoring gap with Capital1 teammates is a concern

    Bella Belen admits scoring gap with Capital1 teammates is a concern

    Rookie standout Bella Belen is rapidly transforming her debut season into one of the most compelling narratives of the 2026 Premier Volleyball League All-Filipino Conference, pairing explosive scoring with polished all-around play to establish herself as the focal point of the Capital1 Solar Spikers.

     

    Through the opening stretch of the conference, Belen sits atop the league’s Best Scorers list with a commanding 106 total points. Her tally is built on 96 attacks, seven blocks, and just three faults — numbers that underscore not only her scoring volume but also her efficiency. Night after night, the 23-year-old has provided the offensive backbone for Capital1, often carrying the heaviest load against the league’s top defenses.

     

    Her impact extends beyond sheer point production. Belen also ranks third among the league’s Best Spikers, converting 96 of 266 attempts for a 36.09 percent success rate. The figure reflects her ability to maintain efficiency despite high usage — a rare trait for a rookie adjusting to the professional level.

     

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    However, Capital1’s reliance on Belen has become an increasing point of discussion.

    That reality was evident in the Solar Spikers’ straight-sets loss, 18-25, 24-26, 20-25, to the defending champions Creamline Cool Smashers on Saturday, February 21, at the FilOil Centre.

     

    Belen once again delivered a stellar individual performance with 26 points, but offensive support proved scarce. Ypril Tapi finished as the team’s next leading scorer with just four points, highlighting the significant scoring gap.

     

    Belen acknowledged postgame that the imbalance was addressed internally.

    “It was addressed earlier in the dugout. I mean, I guess it’s becoming a concern since volleyball is a team effort. It’s not just about one person. You really can’t win when the scoring gap is that wide,” Belen said in a media interaction.

     

    Despite the heavy burden, the former collegiate star remains focused on contributing in every way she can.

     

    “But I guess on my part, I’m always doing my best to give what I know I can do for the team, and whatever help I can provide. And I think that also comes from my past experiences,” she added.

     

    Beyond the numbers, the match underscored the gap in chemistry and experience between Capital1 and Creamline. The Cool Smashers’ cohesion — built through years of playing together — was apparent in crucial stretches, particularly in the tightly contested second set.

     

    Belen was candid in her assessment of where her team currently stands.

     

    “I feel like we still have a long way to go. Since it’s Creamline, they have been together for a long time, and they already know each other inside out. As for us, we are still getting there. But I can see that we have the potential to reach that level or at least keep pace with that style of play,” Belen concluded.

     

    Despite Belen’s individual brilliance, the Solar Spikers hold a 2-3 win-loss record, placing them seventh in the standings and in the lower half of the table. As the conference progresses, developing offensive balance and team chemistry will be key to climbing the rankings.

     

    Capital1 will look to bounce back and ease the scoring pressure on its rookie star when it takes on the Farm Fresh Foxies on Thursday, February 26, at the FilOil Centre — a crucial opportunity to regain momentum and reinforce that Belen’s breakout campaign can translate into collective success.

     

     

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  • Bella Belen cracks top-10 in five PVL statistical categories in All-Filipino Conference 

    Bella Belen cracks top-10 in five PVL statistical categories in All-Filipino Conference 

    Bella Belen continues to turn her rookie campaign into one of the most compelling storylines in the Premier Volleyball League All-Filipino Conference, combining explosive scoring with all-around production to emerge as the centerpiece of the Capital1 Solar Spikers.

     

    Belen leads the league’s Best Scorers list with a commanding 106 total points, built on 96 spikes, seven blocks, and just three faults, highlighting both her scoring volume and efficiency. Her consistent offensive production has anchored Capital1’s attack throughout the conference.

     

    The former collegiate standout is equally impressive at the net, ranking third among Best Spikers with 96 successful spikes off 266 attempts for a 36.09% success rate, proving her ability to deliver under heavy usage.

     

    Beyond scoring, Belen has also made her presence felt from the service line. She currently sits at No. 1 in Best Servers, tallying 28 aces from 82 serve attempts with an average of 0.44 aces per set, adding another dimension to her growing impact.

     

    Her defensive contributions further underline her versatility. Belen ranks 10th in Best Diggers with 50 digs from 117 total receptions, averaging 3.13 digs per set, while also landing within the Best Receivers leaderboard—an indicator of her reliability in first-ball control.

     

    Her statistical surge has translated into headline performances, particularly in high-pressure situations.

     

    In Capital1’s recent five-set thriller against the Choco Mucho Flying Titans at the FilOil EcoOil Centre, Belen produced a breakout performance, unloading 29 points to lift the Solar Spikers to a 25-21, 18-25, 25-18, 19-25, 15-10 victory. The performance matched her collegiate career-high scoring output while establishing a new personal best in the PVL, further reinforcing her ability to deliver when the match tightens.

     

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    More importantly, the explosion extended Belen’s streak to four consecutive 20-point games, a level of consistency rarely seen from a rookie still adjusting to the speed and physicality of the professional game. Each outing has shown her evolving shot selection, improved decision-making, and a growing leadership presence on the floor.

     

    Even in defeat, Belen has continued to shine. Just days prior to the Choco Mucho win, she dropped 28 points against the PLDT High Speed Hitters—then her top scoring performance in the league—though Capital1 absorbed a 25-20, 25-16, 22-25, 25-17 loss as PLDT’s net defense proved decisive. The performance nonetheless emphasized her ability to produce elite offensive numbers regardless of opponent.

     

    Belen’s strong run has helped keep the Solar Spikers competitive in a tightly contested conference. Capital1 currently sits fifth in the standings with a 2-2 record, positioning itself in the middle of the pack while still searching for sustained momentum.

     

    That opportunity comes quickly, as the Solar Spikers look to build on their recent surge when they face the powerhouse Creamline Cool Smashers on Saturday, a matchup that will test both Belen’s scoring rhythm and Capital1’s overall system against one of the league’s most consistent contenders.

     

    With her growing confidence and expanding role, Belen’s early-season dominance suggests that her rookie campaign is no longer just about adjustment—it’s about emergence. If her current trajectory continues, she could soon transition from promising newcomer to one of the defining stars of the conference.

     

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  • “Very honored and grateful”: Bella Belen on winning PSA Ms. Volleyball award

    “Very honored and grateful”: Bella Belen on winning PSA Ms. Volleyball award

    Widely regarded as one of the brightest stars to emerge from the University Athletic Association of the Philippines, Bella Belen continues to shoulder the expectations of becoming the next face of Philippine volleyball — and potentially a cornerstone of the national team’s future on the international stage.

     

    Belen’s journey from collegiate standout to professional sensation has been nothing short of remarkable. After dominating the UAAP with her powerful spikes, consistent court vision, and leadership skills, she wasted no time making her mark in the professional ranks. The 23-year-old was selected as the No. 1 overall pick in the Premier Volleyball League (PVL) Rookie Draft by the Capital1 Solar Spikers, immediately taking on the responsibility of leading a rebuilding franchise eager to establish itself as a legitimate title contender.

     

    Since donning the Solar Spikers jersey, Belen has embraced the challenge with maturity and poise well beyond her years. Her combination of athleticism, consistency, and composure under pressure has quickly made her the focal point of the team’s offense and a fan favorite.

     

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    Her rapid rise has not gone unnoticed. At the Philippine Sportswriters Association (PSA) Annual Awards Night, held on Monday, February 16, at the Diamond Hotel, Belen received one of the country’s most prestigious individual accolades: the Ms. Volleyball Award. The honor recognizes outstanding players who have excelled in Philippine volleyball and contributed to raising the sport’s profile nationally.

     

    The 23-year-old admitted that she felt both honored and grateful to receive the award, especially considering the list of past winners includes some of the most accomplished players in the country.

    “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,” Belen said.

     

    The award celebrates her past achievements, but Belen’s current performance in the PVL proves she is not resting on her laurels. The outside hitter has been living up to the hype this conference, reaching the 20-point mark in four consecutive games, a remarkable feat that has propelled her to the top of the All-Filipino Conference scoring charts with a total of 106 points.

     

    Trailing Belen in the scoring race are Cherry Ann Rondina of Choco Mucho Flying Titans with 73 points, followed by Chinnie Arroyo of ZUS Coffee Hitters with 67, Trisha Tubu of Farm Fresh Fightin’ Titans with 64, and Erika Mae Santos of Cignal HD Spikers with 61 — all chasing a sizable gap set by the Solar Spikers’ star.

     

    Belen’s scoring prowess is only one part of her impact. Her leadership on the floor, ability to read opponents’ defenses, and clutch performances in critical moments have made her the heartbeat of the Solar Spikers. Coaches and analysts alike have praised her for balancing personal excellence with team responsibility, a rare quality for a player still in her early 20s.

     

    While the PSA recognition honored her past achievements, Belen’s current PVL campaign suggests she is building something even bigger: the foundation for a long and impactful professional career, and possibly, a key role in the Philippine national team’s future on the international stage.

     

    Looking ahead, Belen and the Solar Spikers are preparing for a critical matchup against Creamline Cool Smashers this Saturday at 4 PM at the FilOil Flying V Centre in San Juan City. With her scoring momentum and leadership, all eyes will be on Belen as she aims to extend her dominance, widen the gap atop the scoring charts, and lead her team closer to the playoffs.

     

    For Bella Belen, the journey is far from over. From her UAAP stardom to becoming the face of a professional team and now a PSA awardee, she continues to embody the promise and potential of a new generation of Filipino volleyball stars. Every spike, every point, and every match is a step toward fulfilling the lofty expectations that come with being one of the country’s brightest young athletes.

     

     

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  • Bella Belen pulls away in PVL scoring race after 29-point masterclass

    Bella Belen pulls away in PVL scoring race after 29-point masterclass

    Mhicaela “Bella” Belen isn’t just leading the PVL scoring race — she’s redefining it game by game.

    Fresh off being named Ms. Volleyball at the Philippine Sportswriters Association (PSA) Awards, the National University legend has translated that recognition into pure production in the 2026 Premier Volleyball League All-Filipino Conference.

     

    Belen currently tops the Best Scorers list with 106 total points, built on 96 spikes, 7 blocks, and 3 aces — a commanding margin over second-running Cherry Ann Rondina, who has 73.

     

    But the numbers only tell part of the story.

     

    In Capital1’s recent five-set thriller against Choco Mucho at the Filoil Centre in San Juan, Belen delivered a masterclass — unloading 29 points, matching her UAAP career-high, to power the Solar Spikers to a 25-21, 18-25, 25-18, 19-25, 15-10 victory.

     

    It wasn’t just another big night. It was historic for her young pro career.

     

    The 29-point eruption marked a new PVL-best for Belen, surpassing the previous career-high she set just days earlier against PLDT. It also extended her streak to four straight 20-point performances this conference — a statement of consistency rarely seen from a rookie adjusting to the professional level.

     

    That PLDT game, however, showed the other side of her scoring brilliance.

     

    Belen dropped 28 points in that outing — her best scoring output at the time — but the Solar Spikers fell short as the High Speed Hitters flexed their strength at the net to claim a 25-20, 25-16, 22-25, 25-17 victory.

     

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    Even in defeat, Belen’s production stood out. She has proven capable of carrying the offensive load whether Capital1 is celebrating or regrouping.

     

    Through the early stretch of the conference, her scoring has not only been explosive — it has been sustained. Four straight 20-point games. A career-high 29. A 28-point follow-up in a tough loss.

     

    And a league-leading total that puts clear separation between her and the rest of the field.

    Trailing Belen in the scoring race is Cherry Ann Rondina of Choco Mucho with 73 points, followed by Chinnie Arroyo of ZUS Coffee with 67. Farm Fresh’s Trisha Tubu is close behind with 64 markers, while Erika Mae Santos of Cignal rounds out the top five with 61 points — all chasing a sizable gap set by the Solar Spikers’ star.

     

    For now, Belen isn’t just ahead — she’s in control.

     

    The PSA recognition honored her past achievements. Her current PVL run suggests she’s building something even bigger.

     

    Belen looks to add to her tally and further  the gap against Creamline on Saturday, at 4PM at the FilOil Centre in San Juan City. 

     

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  • “I truly admire her”: Alyssa Valdez excited to face Bella Belen for the first time in the PVL

    “I truly admire her”: Alyssa Valdez excited to face Bella Belen for the first time in the PVL

    Widely regarded as one of the brightest stars to emerge from the University Athletic Association of the Philippines (UAAP), Bella Belen continues to shoulder the expectations of becoming the next face of Philippine volleyball — and potentially a cornerstone of the national team’s future on the international stage.

     

    The former collegiate standout wasted little time making her mark in the professional ranks after being selected as the No. 1 overall pick in the Premier Volleyball League (PVL) Rookie Draft by the Capital1 Solar Spikers. From the moment she donned the Solar Spikers jersey, Belen embraced the responsibility of leading a rebuilding franchise hungry to establish itself as a legitimate contender.

     

    Her rapid rise has not gone unnoticed. Belen recently added another honor to her ever-growing résumé, claiming the prestigious Ms. Volleyball Award from the Philippine Sportswriters Association (PSA) at the Annual Awards Night held on Monday, February 16, at the Diamond Hotel in Manila.

     

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    The 23-year-old’s achievements have already earned praise from one of Philippine volleyball’s icons, Alyssa Valdez, a three-time Ms. Volleyball recipient herself. Valdez expressed her excitement at facing Belen on the court for the first time, when the Creamline Cool Smashers take on the Capital1 Solar Spikers in the ongoing PVL All-Filipino Conference.

     

    “This will actually be our first game against each other. I’m really excited to face her. More than her skills, I truly admire her character and personality, both on and off the court. She has that never-say-die attitude, that grit and discipline,” Valdez said in a media interaction.

    “I can’t wait to see her grow even more and become someone even more young athletes can look up to. But when it comes to our game this Saturday? Bella is Bella. We are very excited and looking forward to it, and hopefully we can give her a really good match,” she added.

     

    Interestingly, both Valdez and Belen share the same birthday, adding a symbolic layer to the praise from a player widely recognized as the greatest female volleyball athlete in Philippine history.

     

    Meanwhile, Creamline has made a strong start to the All-Filipino Conference, posting a 2-1 record to sit fourth in the standings. Valdez acknowledged that the team is still adjusting to reintegrating key players Jia De Guzman and Bernadeth Pons, who have returned to the franchise.

     

    “We are still working on being more in tune with each other. But it was really nice to see that never-give-up mentality come out after that first set. Hopefully, we can keep building on that because the team’s effort this game was really great,” Valdez said.

     

    She added, “For me, it’s really about mindset — I try to give my 100% all the time so that when the coaches call my name, I’m ready. It’s a team sport, and it’s not just about the players on the court. As a team, we definitely support each other. We are very proud of whoever is shining in the moment. It’s always full support from all of us.”

     

    The stage is now set for a highly anticipated clash, as the two top talents — Belen and Valdez — face off on Saturday, February 21, at the FilOil Centre. Fans can expect a showdown that highlights not just skill, but leadership, resilience, and the next generation of Philippine volleyball stars making their mark.

     

     

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  • No. 1 pick Bella Belen shows growth in Capital1’s tough PVL campaign

    No. 1 pick Bella Belen shows growth in Capital1’s tough PVL campaign

    Widely regarded as one of the brightest stars to emerge from the University Athletic Association of the Philippines, Bella Belen continues to carry the weight of expectations that she will become the next face of Philippine volleyball — and perhaps a cornerstone of the national team’s future on the international stage.

     

    The former collegiate standout wasted little time making her mark in the professional ranks after being selected as the No. 1 overall pick in the Premier Volleyball League Rookie Draft by the Capital1 Solar Spikers. From the moment she donned the Solar Spikers jersey, Belen has embraced the responsibility of leading a rebuilding franchise hungry to establish itself as a legitimate contender.

     

    Now 23, the dynamic outside hitter has shown flashes of brilliance early in her PVL career, spearheading Capital1’s offense in the ongoing All-Filipino Conference. However, the transition from collegiate dominance to professional consistency has not come without challenges. The Solar Spikers currently sit eighth in the standings after three games, a position that underscores the growing pains of a young squad still searching for cohesion against more seasoned opponents.

     

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    Despite the setbacks, Belen’s competitive fire and willingness to learn have stood out. Her development was evident in Capital1’s recent meetings with the PLDT High Speed Hitters. In their first encounter, she was limited to 13 points as PLDT’s formidable blocking corps repeatedly shut down her attacking lanes. But just days later, Belen responded with a statement performance, erupting for a PVL-leading 28 points on 26 attacks in a spirited rematch — a testament to her adjustments and resilience.

     

    Reflecting on the experience, Belen pointed to preparation and in-game awareness as key factors in her bounce-back outing.

     

    “Naalala ko pa yung last na paghaharap namin sa Reinforced. Grabe, naba-block nila ako. Dapat from that, kung makaka-block man sila sa akin, siguro dalawa, isa, pero hindi ganon karami. Kailangan mas marami pa rin akong napuntos for the team. Siyempre, yung coverage nandiyan kahit ma-block ako, meron na ka-support na sa akin. So, ayun, inaral naman namin yung PLDT po, na alam namin na yung advantage talaga nila is yung blocking nila. Kasi, malalaki at mabibilis talaga sila,” Belen said in a media interaction.

    Her comments highlight not only her individual accountability but also the team’s collective effort to dissect opponents and improve tactically — a crucial trait for a young roster aiming to climb the standings.

     

    Even in defeat, Belen found reasons for optimism.

     

    “Siyempre, despite the loss, nakita ko naman na lumaban yung team. Kumbaga, mayroong glimpse na kaya, kaya sana ng team. Sadyang, siyempre yung kalaban namin, sobrang veterano na matagalan sila magkasama, ganyan.

     

    “Meron pa kami dapat, sana pinush pa namin yung sarili namin na kung ano pa yung pwede namin gawin sana, para ma-push pa yung game into 5-set. At sana nanalo kami, gano’n. So, I’m very happy pa rin naman sa naging performance ng team na kahit gano’n yun, natalo. Nakita ko naman na lumaban ko yung team,” she concluded.

     

    For Belen, the emphasis remains on growth — turning painful lessons into stepping stones. Her scoring leap from 13 to 28 points against the same opponent illustrates both her adaptability and her determination to shoulder the offensive burden when needed.

     

    Capital1’s journey in the All-Filipino Conference is far from over, and Belen will once again be at the forefront when the Solar Spikers face the Choco Mucho Flying Titans at the FilOil Centre on Tuesday, February 17. Against another established contender, the young star will have another opportunity to showcase her evolution — not just as a prolific scorer, but as a leader intent on steering her team back to winning ways.

     

    If early signs are any indication, Bella Belen’s professional story is only just beginning — and Philippine volleyball fans may very well be witnessing the rise of their next superstar.

     

     

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  • “MVP candidate this season”: Ralf Ricafort, Kianna Dy laud Bella Belen following PVL clash

    “MVP candidate this season”: Ralf Ricafort, Kianna Dy laud Bella Belen following PVL clash

    If the early stretch of the 2025 Premier Volleyball League (PVL) All-Filipino Conference is any indication, PLDT is determined to prove that sustained success does not hinge on a single superstar.

     

    Instead, the High Speed Hitters are carving out an identity rooted in depth, balance, and defensive discipline — a formula that is beginning to pay dividends.

     

    On Thursday at the Filoil EcoOil Centre in San Juan, PLDT delivered another statement performance, dispatching Capital1 in four sets, 25-20, 25-16, 22-25, 25-17. The victory marked their second straight win to open the conference and reinforced the impression that their earlier dismantling of defending powerhouse Creamline was no mere early-season anomaly.

     

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    The victory underscored head coach Rald Ricafort’s emphasis on sustainability — a system built to withstand pressure and adapt mid-match rather than crumble when a single player is contained.

     

    Still, the night belonged in many ways to Capital1’s rising star, University Athletic Association of the Philippines (UAAP) standout Bella Belen.

     

    Belen exploded for a conference-best 28 points, showcasing her all-around arsenal that included 12 receptions. Through three games, she is averaging an eye-popping 25.67 points per outing — elite production by any standard, especially for a young player navigating the professional ranks.

     

    Her performance kept Capital1 competitive, particularly in the third set where her scoring burst sparked a rally that extended the match. Whether attacking from the wings, scoring from the back row, or contributing in out-of-system plays, Belen displayed the poise and versatility that have quickly made her one of the league’s most talked-about talents.

    Ricafort acknowledged that neutralizing Belen was a primary focus of PLDT’s game plan.

     

    “Yun nga eh. ‘Yun talaga nilook-forward namin today na i-try talaga bawasan si Bella. Pero siyempre, credit pa rin sa kanya dahil nandun talaga ‘yung skill eh. Kumpleto laro, passing, out-of-system. Parang nakarami siyang points backrow pa, so siya talaga ‘yun. Bigay namin ‘yun sa kanya,” Ricafort said in the post-match press conference.

     

    The veteran tactician even went a step further, openly labeling Belen as a legitimate Most Valuable Player (MVP) candidate.

     

    “Nung huling beses ko siya na-congratulate, Bella Bytsenko ang tawag ko sa kanya. Ganyan talaga magiging season niya. For sure, MVP candidate talaga siya this season,” he added.

     

    PLDT star Kim Kianna Dy echoed her coach’s sentiments, pointing to Belen’s evident growth and composure on the court.

     

    “I guess I feel like mas mature siya ngayon. Very calm na siya inside, dinadala na niya yung teammates niya. Ang likot ng bola niya. Madaming daan yung bola niya, so mahirap talagang i-block. Kita naman sa 28 points niya, we prepared for her also. Alam naman na Bella will be given a lot of balls. Ayun, 28 points nga siya,” Dy said.

     

    Dy’s assessment highlighted what makes Belen particularly dangerous — not just her scoring totals, but the unpredictability of her attacks and her ability to lead her team despite heavy defensive attention.

     

    le Belen’s heroics commanded attention, PLDT’s broader message was clear: they are building a team capable of contending deep into the conference.

     

     

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