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Tag: Capital1 Solar Spikers

  • 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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  • PLDT stays unbeaten, outduels Bella Belen’s 28-point night

    PLDT stays unbeaten, outduels Bella Belen’s 28-point night

    If the early stretch of the 2025 PVL All-Filipino Conference is any indication, PLDT is not relying on a single superstar to carry the load.

     

    The High Speed Hitters are building something more sustainable — rhythm, balance, and defensive bite.

     

    On Thursday at the Filoil EcoOil Centre, PLDT showcased that identity in a four-set win over Capital1, 25-20, 25-16, 22-25, 25-17. It was their second straight convincing victory to open the tournament, proof that their dismantling of a full-strength Creamline side a week ago was no fluke.

     

    At the center of it all was Kim Fajardo, orchestrating like a seasoned conductor. Her 25 excellent sets ensured that PLDT’s offense never stagnated. The ball moved with purpose. The attacks came from different angles. Capital1 could not lock in on just one threat.

     

    Savi Davison and Kianna Dy made sure of that.

     

    Davison once again delivered across multiple fronts, finishing with 20 points on 17 attacks while adding 11 receptions — a two-way presence that kept the Solar Spikers guessing. Dy matched her output with 20 markers of her own, hammering 16 spikes and rejecting four attempts at the net.

    And when PLDT smells separation, it strikes quickly.

     

    After a competitive opening set, the High Speed Hitters ripped the match open with an 8-1 surge in the second frame. What was once a slim 8-5 lead ballooned into a commanding 16-6 cushion. From there, the tone shifted. PLDT wasn’t just scoring — it was dictating. 

     

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    Still, Capital1 had Bella Belen, now the league’s leading scorer refused to fade quietly, unloading nine points in the third set alone to extend the match. By the end of the night, she tallied a conference-best 28 points, all but two from attacks, while also contributing 12 receptions. Through three games, she is averaging 25.67 points — elite production despite her team’s struggles.

     

    But this contest highlighted a telling contrast.

     

    While Belen shone individually, PLDT thrived collectively, Majoy Baron chipped in 11 points, including five of the team’s 15 blocks, as the High Speed Hitters turned the net into a wall. Aside from Belen, Capital1 struggled to find consistent offense against PLDT’s suffocating defensive schemes, only Shaya Adorador was the other Solar Spiker who scored double-digits with 13. 

    The fourth set became a statement. Order was restored. Control reestablished. Momentum preserved.

     

    With the victory, PLDT improved to 2-0 and moved into a tie for second with Nxled in the conference’s early standings. More importantly, they reinforced a blueprint that travels well in long tournaments: diversified scoring, disciplined defense, and a steady hand at setter.

     

    If the High Speed Hitters continue to win the battle of balance over brilliance, they won’t just be early contenders — they’ll be built for the grind of the entire conference.

     

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  • PLDT tests its momentum against Capital1

    PLDT tests its momentum against Capital1

    Early statements are easy to make. Sustaining them is another matter entirely.

     

    PLDT has already sent a message in the Premier Volleyball League All-Filipino Conference. The High Speed Hitters didn’t just beat multi-titled Creamline — they dismantled them in straight sets. It was the kind of win that turns heads and shifts expectations. But inside the PLDT camp, the mood isn’t celebratory. It’s calculated.

     

    In a tournament where parity reigns and every roster can threaten an upset, momentum is only as strong as the next performance.

     

    On Thursday at the FilOil Playtime Centre in San Juan, PLDT faces a different kind of challenge. Not the aura of a dynasty — but the unpredictability of youth and firepower. Capital1, bannered by one of the league’s most electrifying young scorers in Bella Belen, stands in the way of a second straight victory that could vault the High Speed Hitters into a share of second place.

     

    If the Creamline win showcased PLDT’s ceiling, this matchup will test its stability.

     

    Savi Davison was brilliant in that signature triumph, erupting for 26 points while delivering 11 excellent digs and 10 receptions in a rare triple-double display. But even in a performance that could easily stand alone as a headline act, the Fil-Canadian spiker pointed elsewhere.

     

    “I couldn’t have done it alone. Everyone showed up – our fans, our players, our coaches,” she said. “I’m just glad we were able to work together and get it done in three sets.”

     

    That collective spirit defined PLDT’s showing. Kim Dy and Jovie Prado stretched the floor from the wings. Majoy Baron and Mika Reyes locked down the middle. Kim Fajardo conducted the offense with the calm of a veteran who has seen the conference grind before. The High Speed Hitters didn’t overpower Creamline — they out-executed them.

     

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    And that may be their true identity this season: a team built not on singular brilliance, but on synchronized intent.

     

    Still, Thursday’s opponent offers a contrasting narrative.

     

    Capital1 is growing in real time. The Solar Spikers’ campaign has revolved around Belen’s explosive scoring touch. She opened her professional stretch with 26 points in a four-set win over ZUS Coffee, then followed it with 23 markers against Nxled, even in a straight-set defeat. Whether attacking in transition, tooling the block off high balls, ripping cross-court angles or striking from the backrow, Belen has proven capable of bending defenses.

     

    More than the numbers, though, is her composure. Despite carrying the offensive burden, she has adapted quickly to tighter defensive schemes and more physical matchups.

     

    With Shaya Adorador, Ezra Madrigal, Pauline Gaston and Ysa Jimenez reinforcing the rotation, and middle blockers Cherry Nunag and France Ronquillo providing size at the net, Capital1 is steadily settling into coach Jorge de Brito’s system. Their stumble against the Chameleons revealed areas to polish — but their opening statement win showed they can disrupt anyone’s rhythm.

     

    Thursday’s 4 p.m. duel could easily morph into a showcase between Davison and Belen — established force versus ascending star. Yet the outcome may hinge less on the headline scorers and more on which side controls the margins: serve receive, transition defense, and bench production.

     

    In a league where the gap between contender and spoiler is razor-thin, depth often decides what star power cannot.

     

    The nightcap at 6:30 p.m. brings its own urgency as ZUS Coffee and Akari hunt for stability.

    Akari enters with the benefit of rest, having not seen action since Jan. 31. The pause offered time to recalibrate, and coach Tina Salak hopes the reset translates into sharper execution from Grethcel Soltones, Ivy Lacsina, Faith Nisperos, Fifi Sharma, Ced Domingo and Eli Soyud. For a squad chasing its first win, fresh legs could be a quiet advantage.

     

    On the other side, the Thunderbelles are navigating turbulence. Without injured middle blocker AC Miner, they’ve absorbed consecutive losses to Capital1 and Galeries Tower. Yet belief remains intact. The pieces are there — they simply need alignment.

     

    If the opening weeks of the conference have proven anything, it’s that reputations hold little weight once the whistle blows. Every match is an examination of adjustments. Every set is a recalibration.

     

    PLDT’s statement has already been made. Now comes the harder task — repeating it.

     

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  • Bella Belen steps up as Capital1 opens PVL AFC campaign strong

    Bella Belen steps up as Capital1 opens PVL AFC campaign strong

    Capital1’s first conference game was supposed to be about introductions — new faces, new chemistry, and a new identity taking shape in real time. Instead, it quickly became about Bella Belen.

     

    With eight newcomers around her and the Solar Spikers still figuring out their on-court rhythm, Belen walked into her second PVL stint carrying more than just the weight of expectations that come with being the No. 1 overall pick. 

     

    Hours before tip-off, she was informed she would serve as interim captain, filling in for regular skipper Roma Doromal, who was sidelined by illness.

    At 23, and among the youngest on the floor, Belen didn’t hesitate.

     

    Capital1 opened its campaign with a 25-17, 25-16, 15-25, 25-19 win over ZUS Coffee on Tuesday, and Belen made sure the moment didn’t slip away. She delivered the most complete performance of her young pro career, pouring in a career-high 28 points while anchoring the backcourt with 16 digs and seven receptions.

     

    If there were doubts about whether the sudden leadership role would weigh her down, the numbers — and her poise — erased them quickly.

     

    “In-inform din ako ni coach Jorge kahapon na if kaya ko raw ‘yung ganyan, o kapag masyadong mabigat siya for me,” Belen said.

     

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    “Sabi ko naman, kaya ko naman since for me, ‘yung being a captain, pinagkaiba niya lang is may line ka lang under your number.

     

    “Kung kahit naman hindi ako captain, I’ll try my best naman na mag-lead din ng team.”

     

    Still, Belen acknowledged that the responsibility felt different from her days at NU, where leadership came with familiarity and time. This time, she was guiding a professional roster she was only beginning to know.

     

    “Iba talaga, kasi sa NU, kasama ko na rin sila before so hindi siya ganun kahirap for me. Dito naman, hindi rin ganun kahirap since feeling ko pagdating sa game, sa Capital, walang captain-captain talaga eh,” she said.

     

    “Kung sino kayang mag-lead, kailangan mag-lead din [dahil] hindi pwedeng isa o dalawa lang po talaga ‘yung gumagana sa team.”

     

    In Capital1’s debut, the captaincy stripe may have arrived unexpectedly, but Belen showed that leadership — much like her impact — doesn’t need to be announced. It shows up in moments, decisions, and the calm that settles a team finding its footing. 

     

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  • “I’m really happy about it” — Bella Belen excited by Capital1’s new-look roster

    “I’m really happy about it” — Bella Belen excited by Capital1’s new-look roster

    The Capital1 Solar Spikers have undergone a significant roster overhaul in the offseason as they gear up for the upcoming Premier Volleyball League (PVL) All-Filipino Conference, opting to blend veteran experience with youthful energy in hopes of making a deeper run this season.

     

    In a busy transfer period, Solar Spikers management bolstered the lineup by acquiring a host of seasoned players from across the league. The new additions include Pauline Gaston, Shaya Adorador, and Jasmine Nabor from the now-defunct Chery Tiggo Crossovers; former Choco Mucho Flying Titans middle blocker Cherry Nunag; Ezra Madrigal from the Akari Chargers; France Ronquillo and Ysa Jimenez from the Galeries Tower Highrisers; and Rachel Jorvina from the Nxled Chameleons. The influx of experience is expected to provide stability and leadership to a roster anchored by young talent.

     

    At the forefront of that youthful core is Bella Belen, Capital1’s star player and the first overall pick in last year’s PVL Rookie Draft. Heading into her second season with the franchise, the 23-year-old expressed excitement over the team’s revamped roster and optimism about the direction the Solar Spikers are headed.

     

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    “Of course, I’m really happy because the league has become more competitive, every team added new players. On our team, almost half of the roster is new, and I’m really happy about it. I know the players who joined us can really help the team. I’m excited about what I can learn from them and what we can bring into this conference. The new players adjusted well, so it doesn’t feel like a totally new environment,” Belen said in a media interaction.

    Belen played a key role in Capital1’s breakthrough campaign last season, helping the Solar Spikers reach the quarterfinals of the Reinforced Conference. Now more experienced and confident, she is expected to take on a larger leadership role as the team aims to take the next step forward in an increasingly competitive league.

     

    Still, Belen is well aware that the road ahead will not be easy. With all nine other PVL teams also reinforcing their rosters during the offseason, the All-Filipino Conference promises to be one of the most competitive in recent memory.

     

    “It’s definitely a big challenge. Even if we have faced each other before, this conference is different because every team has really leveled up. We are giving our best in every training to improve our game and show a good performance at this conference,” she added.

     

    Adding another layer of intrigue to the upcoming conference is the prospect of Belen facing familiar faces from Alas Pilipinas. She is particularly looking forward to going up against longtime teammates Jia De Guzman and Eya Laure, both of whom will suit up for new teams this season. De Guzman returns to the Creamline Cool Smashers after a three-year absence, while Laure has joined the Choco Mucho Flying Titans.

     

    “I used to joke with them back when we were on the national team, telling them not to play if we ever faced each other. I have been teammates with them for a long time, so I’m really excited to see how I will perform against them. I know them well, but every team has a different system, so I’m really looking forward to our matchup,” Belen concluded.

     

    Capital1 will look to carry its renewed optimism into the start of the All-Filipino Conference when the Solar Spikers open their campaign against the ZUS Coffee Thunderbelles on Tuesday, February 3, at the FilOil Center in San Juan City. With a revamped roster, a growing star in Belen, and heightened competition across the league, the Solar Spikers are eager to see how their offseason gamble pays off on the court.

     

     

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