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Tag: Capital1 Solar Spikers

  • “Our growth doesn’t stop here”: Bella Belen eyes improvement after Capital1’s PVL exit

    “Our growth doesn’t stop here”: Bella Belen eyes improvement after Capital1’s PVL exit

    The Capital1 Solar Spikers saw their 2026 Premier Volleyball League All-Filipino Conference campaign come to a heartbreaking end on Tuesday, March 24, at the hands of ninth-seed Galeries Tower Highrisers. The loss marked a disappointing finish for a team that showed flashes of brilliance but ultimately fell short in a must-win clash.

     

    Among the Spikers, Bella Belen stood out as the team’s driving force. The 23-year-old outside hitter delivered a stellar performance, nearly carrying her squad to victory with 21 points, 12 digs, and nine excellent receptions. However, her 20-of-71 attempts highlighted the team’s reliance on a single scorer and underscored the need for a more balanced offensive approach.

     

    In a post-match press conference, Belen admitted the defeat was painful but emphasized that it provided valuable lessons for both herself and her teammates.

     

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    “It’s really disappointing because I feel like we could have won. I feel like I could have done more to help the team. But we learned a lot this conference. Lessons we really need to absorb so we can come back stronger next time,” Belen said.

    She added, “I was actually looking forward to our next game on Saturday, but we just weren’t able to make it. For now, we regroup, reset, and go back to training. Our growth as a team and as players doesn’t stop here.”

     

    Belen’s individual campaign was nothing short of impressive. She scored 20 or more points in 10 games and finished as the top scorer of the preliminary round with 218 points from 199 kills, alongside eight blocks and 11 aces. Her consistency and resilience throughout the conference have firmly established her as one of the league’s rising stars.

     

    Reflecting on her own development and the team’s potential, Belen remains focused on improvement.

     

    “I’m never really satisfied. Every game, every conference, I feel like I have to raise my standard, not for others, but for myself. Like in this game, I know I could have done more. So from here, I will look at what else I can improve for the next conference and the next tournament with Capital1.

     

    “For me, that’s really how I am when it’s a tough situation—I feel like I can step up. But it would be better if the whole team can do that together. Coach Jorge De Brito told us earlier that it’s really a mental game, having courage and heart. I think that’s something we still lack, maybe because we don’t have that much experience yet as a team or as players. But I believe we will get there, where no matter who’s on the court, anyone can score and contribute,” she concluded.

     

    While the Capital1 Solar Spikers’ campaign ended sooner than they hoped, Bella Belen’s breakout performance provides a bright spot for the team’s future. Her leadership, consistency, and determination set the tone for the next chapter of the franchise. With lessons learned and a renewed focus on teamwork and mental toughness, Belen and the Solar Spikers are poised to come back stronger, aiming for a deeper run in the upcoming PVL conferences.

     

     

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  • “We can work even harder”: Julia Coronel eyes deeper PVL run after Highrisers’ big win

    “We can work even harder”: Julia Coronel eyes deeper PVL run after Highrisers’ big win

    The Galeries Tower Highrisers delivered a historic performance, pulling off one of the most remarkable turnarounds in Premier Volleyball League All-Filipino Conference history with a dominant 25-16, 25-20, 30-28 victory over the Capital1 Solar Spikers on Tuesday, March 24, at the FilOil Centre.

     

    With their backs against the wall in the Play-In stage, the Highrisers rose to the occasion and showcased poise, execution, and composure—qualities that had eluded them in previous close matches. The straight-sets triumph not only secured their survival in the tournament but also signaled their intent to go deeper than their previous quarterfinal finish.

     

    Leading the charge was Jean Asis, who turned in a standout all-around performance. The dynamic attacker finished with 17 points, highlighted by three blocks and two service aces, earning Best Player of the Game honors. Her ability to deliver in crucial stretches, especially in the tightly contested third set, proved vital in sealing the win.

     

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    Running the offense with precision was rookie playmaker Julia Coronel, who tallied 22 excellent sets in orchestrating the Highrisers’ attack. The third overall pick in the 2024 PVL Rookie Draft displayed maturity beyond her years, distributing the ball efficiently and keeping the Solar Spikers’ defense guessing throughout the match.

     

    Gayle Pascual provided steady scoring support with 14 points, while Aiza Pontillas and Roselle Baliton added 12 and 11 points, respectively. The balanced offensive effort underscored Galeries Tower’s improved chemistry and depth—key factors in their breakthrough performance.

    After the match, Coronel expressed both pride and renewed determination, emphasizing the team’s desire to surpass their previous campaign.

     

    “I’m very proud of the team, and I feel even more motivated. The last time we reached the quarterfinals, we didn’t make it to the next round. This time, I’m hopeful that we can work even harder in the next few days to prepare. Hopefully, God will bless us with a win in the next game,” Coronel said in the postmatch press conference.

     

    The Highrisers’ growth was particularly evident in the third set, where they weathered a fierce challenge from the Solar Spikers. After building a two-set advantage, Galeries Tower found themselves locked in a tense extended frame, but this time, they showed composure in crunch time—an area that had previously been a weakness.

     

    Coronel acknowledged this improvement, noting how the team finally managed to overcome its struggles in closing out tight games.

     

    “It’s frustrating when we lose games we know we could have won. We have always been competitive, but we tend to fall short in the endgame. So I’m really happy that today, we fought through it because the endgame was crucial and this time, we got it done,” she added.

     

    With momentum on their side, the Highrisers now turn their attention to another high-stakes showdown against the Nxled Chameleons on Saturday, March 28, at the Ninoy Aquino Stadium. A semifinal berth hangs in the balance, and Galeries Tower will look to build on their confidence and newfound composure as they continue their campaign.

     

    For the Highrisers, this breakthrough victory represents more than just survival—it is a statement of growth, resilience, and belief that they can finally push past previous limitations and contend with the league’s best when it matters most.

     

     

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  • Bella Belen calls for Capital1 adjustments ahead of crucial knockout clash

    Capital1 Solar Spikers star player Bella Belen emphasized the urgency of tightening their overall performance as they prepare for a high-stakes play-in showdown in the PVL All-Filipino Conference against the Galeries Tower Highrisers.


    With Capital1 holding an even 4-5 record for eighth place and Galeries Tower trailing at 2-7 in ninth, the upcoming clash carries significant weight for both squads. 

     

    The Solar Spikers find themselves in a must-win situation, and Belen made it clear that refining their execution will be key to extending their campaign.

     

    “Siguro yung mindset lang namin is, ayun nga, must win na eh. So kung gusto namin makaabot ng series, kailangan mas puliduin pa namin yung galaw namin,” Belen, the former UAAP MVP said.

     

    “And we all know naman na Galleries ulit yung kalaban namin. So siguro titignan namin kung ano yung pinerform namin this game. And then, ayun, mag-training kami tomorrow, tingnan namin kung ano pa yung pwede namin ma-improve para mas magpadali yung game namin on Tuesday against them,” she added.

     

    Belen pointed to one of the team’s recurring struggles—falling behind early in matches—as a major concern that needs immediate correction. 

     

    In their previous outing, slow starts allowed opponents to dictate the tempo, forcing Capital1 to play catch-up for most of the game.

     

    “Siguro huwag yung nagpapauna kami ng ilang points. So siguro yun yung kailangan namin ma-improve, lalo na yung side-out game namin na kailangan… makakuha agad kami ng point. Ang baga, point by point lagi,” the 23-year-old outside hitter of Capital1 said.

     

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    As the conference’s current top scorer with 218 total points, Belen has consistently delivered on offense, but she acknowledged that individual production alone won’t be enough. 

     

    For Capital1 to survive the knockout round, a more cohesive team effort will be required on both ends of the court.

     

    Interestingly, Belen’s transition into the professional ranks this 2026 season has further highlighted her evolution as more than just a prolific scorer. 

     

    Beyond piling up points, she has taken on a growing leadership role—often seen directing teammates on the floor and helping stabilize the squad during tense stretches. 

     

    Her ability to balance scoring with on-court guidance could prove crucial as Capital1 navigates its most pressure-filled game yet.

     

    Capital1 and Galeries Tower are set to face off in a knockout play-in match, with the winner advancing to the next phase of the league.

     

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  • PVL Play-In Begins: Six teams fight for Final Four spots

    PVL Play-In Begins: Six teams fight for Final Four spots

    The long grind of the preliminaries has officially lost its value. What once separated contenders from pretenders now carries little weight as the Premier Volleyball League All-Filipino Conference shifts into its most unforgiving phase.

     

    The Play-In stage opens not as a continuation of the standings, but as a reset—one where reputations are tested, not protected. Six teams step into a format that strips away comfort and demands immediacy, where every rally can tilt the fate of an entire campaign.

     

    In this environment, there is no room for what came before.

     

    Recent wins, like those secured by the Capital1 Solar Spikers and the Choco Mucho Flying Titans, offer no guarantees. If anything, they serve as reminders of how thin the margins are. Capital1 needed to fend off a determined push from the Galeries Tower Highrisers, while Choco Mucho handled the ZUS Coffee Thunderbelles in four sets—but both results came in matches where momentum could have easily swung the other way.

     

    That uncertainty now becomes the defining theme. Capital1 continues to draw strength from Bella Belen, whose scoring touch has returned at the right time. Yet even her presence doesn’t eliminate the threat posed by Galeries Tower, a team that has shown enough depth and balance to turn a close match into an upset with just a few cleaner sequences.

     

    “Well, of course they will study us and we have to do the same. And since the game is really on Tuesday, the first part is study and rest. But you know they have a lot of potential to be explored on the other side. 

     

    So we’re gonna see what we can counter attack. But for sure, it’s time to go,” said Capital1 head coach Jorge Souza de Brito after the Solar Spikers subdued the Highrisers last Saturday.

     

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    On the other side, Choco Mucho brings star power and offensive firepower led by Sisi Rondina, but the unpredictability of ZUS Coffee lingers as a dangerous variable. In knockout settings, structure can quickly give way to chaos—and teams that embrace that chaos often find ways to extend their run.

     

    “Sa panalo na to, syempre sobrang ganda para samin. Extra motivation para sa paghaharap namin ulit sa kanila, mas may dala-dala at may paghuhugutan kami na kaya namin dominahin sila ngayong game,” said Choco Mucho head coach Dante Alinsunurin.

     

    “At yun pa, kung ano pa yung pwede naming adjustment para sa game, siguro gagawin namin sa training,” he added.

     

    The structure of the Play-In only amplifies the pressure. Survive one knockout match, and another immediately follows. There is no easing into rhythm, no time to recover. Each win simply earns the right to face a fresher, waiting opponent.

     

    The winners of the opening clashes will move forward to face higher-seeded teams, with either Capital1 or Galeries Tower set to take on the Nxled Chameleons, and either Choco Mucho or ZUS Coffee advancing to meet the Akari Power Chargers. Only after navigating that gauntlet will a team secure a crack at the final semifinal berths.

     

    Waiting ahead are the league’s top four: the PLDT High Speed Hitters, Cignal HD Spikers, Creamline Cool Smashers, and Farm Fresh Foxies, who will battle separately for outright Final Four spots. Even then, nothing is settled—the losers of those matchups will drop into another sudden-death encounter against the Play-In survivors.

     

    It creates a layered postseason where advantage exists, but safety does not.

    For teams emerging from the Play-In, the path is undeniably harder, but it also forges something different. They arrive battle-tested, sharpened by pressure, and accustomed to playing with everything on the line.

     

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  •  ZUS, Galeries, Capital1 lock In first PVL All-Filipino Play-In tournament spots

     ZUS, Galeries, Capital1 lock In first PVL All-Filipino Play-In tournament spots

    The race for survival in the Premier Volleyball League All-Filipino Conference has begun to take shape, with Capital1 Solar Spikers, Galeries Tower Highrisers, and ZUS Coffee Thunderbelles officially dropping into the play-in tournament after uneven runs in the preliminaries.  

     

    Capital1 became the latest team to slide into the next phase following a crucial sequence of results in Sta. Rosa, where victories by Akari Chargers and Farm Fresh Foxies tightened the standings and effectively pushed the Solar Spikers out of Top Four contention. 

     

    Sitting at 3-5, Capital1 showed flashes of promise early in the conference but struggled to sustain momentum against the league’s top contenders.

     

    Their campaign opened with a strong four-set win over ZUS Coffee, highlighted by a breakout showing from their young core, but the team soon ran into consistency issues. Losses to Nxled Chameleons, PLDT High Speed Hitters, and powerhouse Creamline Cool Smashers exposed gaps in execution, particularly in closing sets and maintaining scoring balance.

     

    Galeries Tower, meanwhile, saw its campaign unravel after an encouraging early stretch. The Highrisers pulled off a notable upset against Nxled and even snapped a long losing skid with a gritty win over ZUS Coffee, signaling a potential turnaround.

     

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    However, consistency remained elusive. Heavy defeats — including a dominant straight-sets loss to Farm Fresh (25-14, 25-15, 25-12) — and a growing string of setbacks dragged Galeries to a 2-6 record, ultimately sealing its place in the play-in round.

     

    For ZUS Coffee, the story has been one of early promise followed by a prolonged slide. The Thunderbelles managed a morale-boosting five-set victory over Akari early in the conference, but that spark quickly faded as losses piled up against stronger, more cohesive teams.

     

    Straight-set defeats to Farm Fresh and Cignal, along with multiple lopsided results, underscored their struggles in both offense and floor defense. A young roster reinforced by veterans has yet to find the right balance, leaving ZUS at 1-7 and firmly anchored in the play-in bracket.

     

    With the play-in stage looming, all three teams now face a reset. The format offers a second life, but also demands urgency, as only a limited number of squads will advance to challenge the higher-ranked teams for semifinal spots.

     

    For Capital1, Galeries, and ZUS Coffee, the margin for error has disappeared — and the fight to extend their season is only just beginning.

     

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  • Bella Belen nears 200-point mark in PVL All-Filipino run

    Bella Belen nears 200-point mark in PVL All-Filipino run

    Capital1 Solar Spikers standout Bella Belen is on the verge of reaching another major milestone as she closes in on the 200-point mark in the ongoing 2026 PVL All-Filipino Conference.

     

    Belen currently leads the conference scoring race with 195 total points, built on 177 attacks, 10 blocks, and eight service aces, putting her within striking distance of becoming the first player this conference to breach the 200-point barrier.

     

    The former UAAP star has separated herself from the rest of the field with a sustained scoring surge that has powered Capital1 through key stretches of the tournament.

     

    Trailing Belen in the scoring leaderboard is Savannah Davison of PLDT with 167 points (148 attacks, 14 blocks, five aces), followed by Cherry Rondina of Choco Mucho with 160 points (147 attacks, three blocks, 10 aces).

     

    Brooke Van Sickle of Nxled sits fourth with 154 points, while Trisha Tubu of Farm Fresh rounds out the top five with 148 markers.

     

    Belen’s climb toward the milestone has been fueled by an impressive scoring run over the past several weeks.

     

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    During a six-game stretch from mid-February to late February, the Capital1 star piled up 155 points while consistently delivering at least 20 points per outing, including a standout 29-point performance.

     

    Her recent scoring outputs further highlight her consistency. Belen finished with 16 points against Cignal on March 14, after earlier producing 23 points against Farm Fresh (Feb. 26), 26 points against Creamline (Feb. 21), 29 points against Choco Mucho (Feb. 17), and 28 points against PLDT (Feb. 12).

     

    Those performances were part of a seven-game streak of 20-point outings, underscoring her role as the focal point of Capital1’s offense.

     

    With the conference entering its crucial stretch, Belen now stands just a handful of points away from the 200-point mark — a milestone that would further cement her status as one of the league’s most dominant scorers this season.

     

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  • Bella Belen’s scoring surge continues with sixth straight 20-Point game for Capital1

    Bella Belen’s scoring surge continues with sixth straight 20-Point game for Capital1

    Consistency has become the defining theme of Bella Belen’s breakout run in the Premier Volleyball League All-Filipino Conference, as the young star once again powered the Capital1 Solar Spikers with another 20-point performance—her sixth straight game at that level.

     

    In a grueling five-set battle against the Farm Fresh Foxies, Belen delivered 23 points built on 20 attacks and three blocks, while also anchoring the floor with 12 digs and 19 receptions. More importantly, she struck the decisive point in the closing stretch of the fifth set to seal Capital1’s third win of the conference after a marathon two-hour, 28-minute contest.

     

    Her latest outing reinforced a growing pattern: Belen is no longer producing isolated scoring explosions—she is delivering sustained offensive output regardless of opponent or match situation.

     

    That consistency has been tested repeatedly. Just days earlier, the Solar Spikers absorbed a reality check at the hands of the defending powerhouse Creamline Cool Smashers, who leaned on balanced scoring from veterans Jema Galanza and Bernadeth Pons to complete a straight-sets victory. 

     

    Even in that loss, however, Belen still carried the offensive burden and finished with 26 points—extending her 20-point streak and further highlighting her role as the centerpiece of Capital1’s attack.

     

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    Through the early stretch of the conference, Belen’s scoring progression has been steady and impressive. She opened the tournament with multiple 20-plus point performances before erupting for a career-high 29 points in one outing. She followed that with a 28-point effort in another tightly contested match, showing her ability to sustain production even in physically demanding back-to-back games.

     

    Across those performances, her offensive range has expanded—from sharp crosscourt hits to improved transition scoring—while her all-around contributions in reception and defense continue to grow.

     

    The numbers reflect her dominance, Belen currently leads the All-Filipino Conference with 155 total points, creating a sizable gap over the next closest scorer, Trisha Tubu, who has 110. The margin underscores not just volume but consistency—Belen has remained productive regardless of match outcomes.

     

    More telling than the totals, however, is how Capital1 has begun to evolve around her. While earlier games leaned heavily on Belen’s offense alone, the Solar Spikers’ recent win over Farm Fresh showed improved support scoring and defensive structure—an encouraging sign for a team still building its identity.

     

    For now, though, the storyline remains clear. Win or lose, Bella Belen continues to deliver—and with six straight 20-point games, she is shaping one of the most consistent individual runs of the conference.

     

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  • 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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  • 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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