Bella Belen, Angel Canino relish first team-up at Alas Pilipinas

Bella Belen, Angel Canino relish first team-up at Alas Pilipinas

/ 10:30 PM July 05, 2024

Bella Belen and Angel Canino team up for Alas Pilipinas in the FIVB Challenger Cup.

Bella Belen and Angel Canino team up for Alas Pilipinas in the FIVB Challenger Cup. -MARLO CUETO/INQUIRER.net

MANILA, Philippines — From UAAP rivals to national team teammates, Bella Belen and Angel Canino relished their first team-up despite Alas Pilipinas losing to Vietnam in the FIVB Women’s Volleyball Challenger Cup on Friday evening at Ninoy Aquino Stadium.

The Philippines witnessed the first team-up of the two UAAP rookie MVPs in their 14-25, 22-25, 21-25 loss to Vietnam in front of a soldout crowd.

Article continues after this advertisement

Although Alas’ Volleyball Nations League (VNL) qualifier ended in just a game, the newly-formed duo showed a glimpse of what they can offer with Canino pouring in 12 points and Belen only scoring two on top of a steady floor defense in the first two sets.

FEATURED STORIES

“I am very happy because I am now with Angel in the national team. Before, we were opponents in the UAAP, but now we are teammates,” said National University’s two-time MVP Belen, who has been going up against Canino and La Salle for the past two seasons.

HIGHLIGHTS: Alas Pilipinas vs Vietnam FIVB Challenger Cup

Article continues after this advertisement

Canino, who beat Belen and the Lady Bulldogs in the Season 85 finals last year, would rather have Belen as her teammate than a rival. 

Article continues after this advertisement

 “I’m happy because I told them that I would rather choose Bella as my teammate because I’ve been wanting to team up with her again for a long time. I’m very happy that she’s my teammate now,” said the Season 85 MVP and Rookie of the Year.

Article continues after this advertisement

Despite the one-and-done Challenger Cup stint, Canino and Belen look forward to more team-ups in the future as they seek to elevate the level of Philippine volleyball, playing in the SEA V.League next month. 

“I think our connection will become stronger with longer training. I believe we can bring out the best in each other,” Belen said.

Article continues after this advertisement

READ: Alas Pilipinas hit with reality check ahead of Challenger Cup

Belen, who came from South Korea with NU, was pleased with their gallant stand against Vietnam but she needs more time for their build up. The Nationals train in Japan next week until July 25.

“I think we did our best, but maybe Vietnam has been training for a long time. For us, especially me, I just came from vacation. I think we can compete, we just need longer preparation,” said Belen. 

Canino also stayed positive despite the results choosing to look at the lessons from the Vietnamese, who also ruled the AVC Challenge Cup in Manila two weeks ago.

“We all gave our best, and while we’re sad about the result, we’re also happy because we learned something. You don’t go home a loser if you’ve learned something—you always gain knowledge. Especially now, facing Vietnam, we feel like we know where we stand and what we still need to improve as a team,” said the La Salle star.

Your subscription could not be saved. Please try again.
Your subscription has been successful.

Subscribe to our daily newsletter

By providing an email address. I agree to the Terms of Use and acknowledge that I have read the Privacy Policy.

“We will continue preparing for the SEA V.League, and of course, we look forward to giving our best always and bringing our A-game. It’s another opportunity for us to learn and for the team to showcase our talents,” she added.

TAGS: Alas Pilipinas, Angel Canino, Bella Belen

Your subscription could not be saved. Please try again.
Your subscription has been successful.

Subscribe to our newsletter!

By providing an email address. I agree to the Terms of Use and acknowledge that I have read the Privacy Policy.

© Copyright 1997-2024 INQUIRER.net | All Rights Reserved

This is an information message

We use cookies to enhance your experience. By continuing, you agree to our use of cookies. Learn more here.