BELLA ON FIRE
To say that Bella Belen is leaving an indelible mark in Philippine volleyball is an understatement, and the Philippine Sportswriters Association (PSA) just made sure that she is recognized the right way.
Belen reset her PVL career-high for the third straight game on Tuesday in leading Capital1 to a marathon win in the All-Filipino Conference over Choco Mucho, and after that, the rookie out of National U got her Ms. Volleyball award from the PSA to join a very short list of greats who were named before her.
“I never really imagined that there would come a time when I’d be included on a list with such talented players,” said Belen in Filipino after she joined Alyssa Valdez, Aby Maraño, Mika Reyes, Jaja Santiago, Dawn Macandili, Tots Carlos, Jia De Guzman and her latest opponent, Sisi Rondina, as winners of the award.
“I just thought that maybe someday I’d get the chance to compete against them or even be teammates with them,” added Belen after dropping 29 points on the Flying Titans in a 25-21, 18-25, 25-18, 19-25, 15-10 Capital1 victory at FilOil Centre in San Juan City.
The PSA Awards was a success on Monday night at Diamond Hotel, and Belen was under the weather and politely begged off from attending. Against the Flying Titans, Belen even had to be treated starting the fourth set because of cramps.
Belen, a three-time UAAP MVP and the No. 1 pick in the last Draft, remains inspired to get better every single game despite all her achievements in the PVL, where she is on course to match her UAAP caper as a Rookie-MVP.
Best is yet to come
“I always tell myself that this isn’t my best yet,” she said. “Every training and every game, when I see my performance or the team’s performance, I think there’s still more I can do.
“I’m still young, so I believe there’s a lot more I can improve on in the next few games,” Belen added, a scoring effort highlighted by 25 kills. She also had 15 digs and seven excellent receptions.
In just her second tournament in the pros, the 23-year-old Belen set a new PVL career-high for the third time this conference and scored 20-plus points for the fourth time this conference.
“I always say that awards will follow. What’s important is to keep working hard and showing up—every game, every training, in everything you do,” she said of the Ms. Volleyball trophy. “Just stay consistent and put in the effort. That’s why I’m really thankful for this award.”
Belen is just grateful to continue living her life as a volleyball player with all her achievements as a motivation to keep improving as she continues her generational run.
“I’m really honored and grateful because I honestly didn’t expect to receive this kind of award. It’s not a small thing—there are so many talented and amazing players out there. So I’m very thankful to the PSA,” she said.
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