Bella Belen back for UAAP title repeat bid with NU Lady Bulldogs

Bella Belen is returning for her fourth year with National University in the UAAP.–MARLO CUETO/INQUIRER.net

MANILA, Philippines — Bella Belen has made her fourth year of eligibility for National University official as she expressed her intention to win a third UAAP championship next year in the Season 87 women’s volleyball tournament.

Belen, who politely declined to comment about skipping the PVL Rookie Draft, finally broke her silence on Tuesday just hours after the first day of the PVL Combine with a short but meaningful message to the NU community.

“Redemption complete. We’re not done yet. Time to make it two in a row! See you next season,” wrote Belen in her Instagram post including the pictures of their triumph in the UAAP Season 86.

READ: Bella Belen, Alyssa Solomon skip PVL Draft, stay with NU Lady Bulldogs

Belen led NU’s redemption after emerging as a two-time UAAP MVP and sweeping the University of Santo Tomas in the UAAP Finals.

Determined to run it back and complete a golden repeat next year, she is staying with Finals MVP Alyssa Solomon and her batchmates Sheena Toring, Erin Pangilinan, and Lams Lamina to keep a formidable Lady Bulldogs’ roster with Vange Alinsug, Chams Maaya, and Arah Panique.

Despite the high interest, Belen and Solomon skipped the draft and opted to stay with NU with La Salle stars Thea Gagate, Julia Coronel, and Leila Cruz, Ateneo’s Roma Mae Doromal, Adamson’s Lucille Almonte, and UP’s Steph Bustrillo headlining the 47 rookie aspirants.

READ: Bella Belen, NU get perfect ending after rough start

Belen and the Lady Bulldogs lost the championship to the Angel Canino-led La Salle last year before completing a successful title-redemption tour this year also winning her second 1st Best Outside Hitter award.

The do-it-all outside spiker became the first-ever women’s volleyball Rookie MVP in 2022, leading NU to a perfect 16-0 title run for its first championship in 65 years.

Belen and Solomon, who missed the chance to play for Alas Pilipinas’ bronze medal finish in the AVC Challenge Cup, are part of the team’s training pool for the FIVB Challenger Cup, facing Vietnam in a knockout game on July 5 at Ninoy Aquino Stadium.