NU Lady Bulldogs’ Bella Belen.–UAAP PHOTO
MANILA, Philippines — Despite peaking at the right time, Bella Belen insists that National University still has a lot of work to do in the UAAP Season 86 women’s volleyball tournament.
The Lady Bulldogs remained unbeaten in six games in the second round, emerging as the hottest team after dominating the also-ran Adamson Lady Falcons, 25-16, 25-14, 25-18, on Saturday at Philsports Arena.
Belen, who delivered the goods with 14 points and five digs, said they are still far from their championship goal after assuring themselves at least a playoff for one of the two twice-to-beat incentives in the Final Four with an 11-2 card.
Alyssa Solomon and Bella Belen after keeping NU unbeaten in the second round. #UAAPSeason86 @INQUIRERSports pic.twitter.com/OaOLMpY0fe
— Lance Agcaoili (@LanceAgcaoilINQ) April 20, 2024
SCHEDULE: UAAP Season 86 volleyball second round
“Our job won’t end until the season is over. We haven’t lost a game this second round but we won’t stop,” said Belen in Filipino.
“That’s just one of our goals this season. We have to be more consistent since our next matches will be more challenging.”
From their last two finals appearances in the previous seasons–ruling Season 84 with a perfect record only to be dethroned by La Salle the following year–the do-it-all spiker learned to always stay hungry regardless of their triumphs.
READ: UAAP volleyball: NU Lady Bulldogs remain on track for No. 1 spot
“What I learned from Season 84 and 85 is keeping the same energy in the endgame to secure the win,” said the league’s first-ever rookie MVP in women’s volleyball. “We have to stay hungry to win each game. We can’t be complacent and we should always show our eagerness to win.”
Belen has been doing it all for the Lady Bulldogs, averaging 14.85 pts, 11.85 digs, and 9.46 excellent receptions in 13 games.
READ: UAAP: Bella Belen plays through back injury in NU win over La Salle
But the third-year hitter credited their second-round surge to her teammates, who have been embracing their respective roles.
“It’s easier for us if everyone plays well. We got each other’s back whenever someone can’t contribute in attacks, she will find a way to contribute,” she said. “Each one of us knows our respective roles. It’s easier for us to move as one.”
Belen and the Lady Bulldogs try to sweep the second round when they battle surging Far Eastern University on Wednesday at Smart Araneta Coliseum.