In a season where the spotlight has mostly shone on National University’s decorated seniors, it was Aisha Bello — a seldom-used spiker turned surprise starter — who seized her moment.
Making the most of her first start in UAAP Season 87, the Nigerian opposite hitter powered the Lady Bulldogs to a dominant 25-8, 25-22, 25-12 victory over University of the East Lady Warriors on Wednesday afternoon at the Philsports Arena in Pasig.
With Alyssa Solomon sidelined by a mild left ankle sprain and NU reeling from back-to-back losses, Bello stepped up in a big way.
She delivered nine points on eight attacks and one block, along with four excellent digs, in a performance that both electrified the crowd and reignited the team’s Final Four drive.
“I’m so happy. All thanks to my coaches and teammates for trusting me even though because [opposite hitter] is not my position, but I’ve been here for a long time now and trying to put in my effort. I’m happy to show what I am,” Bello shared.
As NU stumbled against two lower-ranked squads — University of the Philippines and Adamson University — during the second round of the UAAP Season 87 Women’s Volleyball Tournament, team captain Bella Belen sounded the alarm about their latest stunning defeat at the hands of the Lady Falcons.
But as Belen lit the fire in the midst of a rare slump, her teammates immediately responded — not just to reclaim their dominant form, but also to rally behind Solomon in her absence.
All players from NU’s 14-woman roster — except liberos Shaira Jardio and IC Cepada — scored at least one point in the comprehensive sweep of the still-winless Lady Warriors.
(C) UAAP Season 87 Media Team
While Belen once again led the charge with 16 points and 13 digs, it was Bello’s breakout performance that turned heads.
After being sparingly used all season, she was given a rare opportunity by head coach Sherwin Meneses — and she delivered.
Bello, a product of Key Hope School in Nigeria, not only filled the massive void left by Solomon, but also showed poise and power in her transition from middle blocker in Season 86 to opposite hitter this year.
“It’s kind of hard, but like my teammates always say, it’s all about mindset. Even though I don’t have playing time, behind here, I still play and practice. It does not matter if I play here because everybody cannot play at the same time. For me, I put as much effort as I can during practice,” added Bello.
Also stepping up were young guns like Celine Marsh, Chamy Maaya, and Abe Puno.
Belen, for her part, couldn’t feel prouder of how their younger players rose to the occasion.
“Gaya nga ng sinabi ko nung last interview ko nung talo kami, yung team kasi namin hindi naman kami nagce-create ng star player, parang ang gusto namin ay kung sino man ang paglaruin sa game, kayang mag-contribute. Lumabas naman siya kasi sa training nag-uumpisa yan na lahat kami sa training pa lang, maganda yung pine-perform kahit yung mga nasa bench,” said Belen.
“China-challenge talaga nila yung mga stringers kaya I’m very happy na nabigyan sila ng chance na mapakita kung ano yung kaya nila at lagi naman sila sinasabihan ni coach Sherwin na once mabigyan sila ng opportunity, kailangan nila i-grab. Minsan lang kasi ‘yon. Yung mga gurang, aalis naman so parang stepping stone na rin nila ito para pagdating nila doon sa point na nawala na yung mga mawawala, yung pressure, kaya na nila.”
#WATCH: “MAY STANDARD DAPAT KAMI”
Bella Belen proud moment! NU’s young guns Aisha Bello and Celine Marsh rise to the challenge and prove they’re built for the big stage 🏐
📹 @ernesttuazon/ Tiebreaker Times#UAAPSeason87 pic.twitter.com/jT0Yv2QERd
— Tiebreaker Times (@tiebreakertimes) April 9, 2025
