With fresh legs and sharper focus, Bella Belen and Angel Canino delivered when it mattered most.
Coming off limited minutes against New Zealand, the dynamic duo sparked Alas Pilipinas to a stunning straight-sets upset over world No. 30 Kazakhstan, 25-21, 25-15, 25-19, to punch their ticket to the semifinals of the 2025 AVC Women’s Nations Cup on Thursday.
“Alam namin na malakas silang team, and for me, pinaghandaan namin sila nang maayos. Pinanood namin ang game nila against Iran, tiningnan namin kung ano ang puwede naming gawin para malamangan sila sa game,” said Belen, the top overall pick of Capital1 in the PVL Draft last Sunday.
“Kung ano ‘man ang nangyari sa previous games namin, naging lesson siya na nadala namin ngayon. So kung ano man ang natutunan namin, ayaw na naming ulitin sa loob ng court,” added La Salle ace Canino.
Belen, who saw limited action in their previous outing, returned with a vengeance. The former NU Lady Bulldog exploded for a game-high 16 points built on 14 attacks and two blocks, while also contributing 11 excellent receptions and three digs in an all-around performance.
Canino, who was rested entirely against the Kiwis, picked up where she left off and chipped in 13 points alongside 11 digs and six receptions. Her composure and poise helped steady the team throughout the high-pressure match.
Having faced Kazakhstan in the past, Belen said her familiarity with the squad played a crucial role in Alas Pilipinas’ confidence heading into the match.
“Ako po kasi, maraming beses ko nang nakalaban ang Kazakhstan — iba-ibang players — pero ang mindset ko lang naman ay may chance talaga kami na talunin ang Kazakhstan kasi bilog naman ang bola,” said the three-time UAAP MVP.
For Canino, the straight-set win came as a pleasant surprise.
“Actually, hindi [in-expect na three sets] kasi known din ang Kazakhstan sa malalakas na players. We’re thankful and proud din sa bawat isa kasi binigay namin ang best namin,” she said.
“At least nailabas namin kung ano ang natutunan namin. I’m very proud, lalo na kina Ate Dawn and Ate Jia,” Canino added, referring to Alas Pilipinas leaders Jia de Guzman and Dawn Macandili.
With the win, Alas Pilipinas topped Pool B and now prepares for a high-stakes semifinal clash against Chinese Taipei on Friday at 9:00 PM.
Belen and Canino hope to bring the same fire, grit, and composure as they chase a historic finals berth.
