Bella Belen led by example during the unexpected fifth set of National University’s clash against Ateneo de Manila University on Saturday night.
The Lady Bulldogs, champions two seasons ago, fell to a 1-2 set hole before recovering in the fourth to force a deciding frame against the rebuilding Blue Eagles, who lost key pieces after Season 85.
In the set that mattered most, Season 84 Rookie MVP Belen showed up to assure that her National U would not be dealt a second upset in a row after losing to University of Santo Tomas in straight sets the last time out.
“Nung fifth set po kasi ang mindset ko as an Ate, kailangan maipakita ko sa kanila kung paano dapat, kung paano dapat namin makuha ang set na ito,” said Belen after NU escaped Ateneo, 25-17, 24-26, 26-28, 25-19, 15-7 in two hours and 23 minutes.
The 21-year-old junior dropped five of her 21 points in the decider, including a pair of huge blocks against Blue Eagle middle blocker AC Miner. She also completed her impressive all-around performance with 24 digs on 38 attempts and 10 excellent receptions.
Belen shared that while leading by example, she also needed to be the calming presence amidst the chaos brought by the upset-looking Ateneo.
NU was also coming off a stunner from UST, which just lost main gunners Eya Laure, Milena Alessandrini, and Imee Hernandez to graduation last season.
“Dapat hindi sila makakita sa akin ng takot at kailangan ipakita ko yung tiwala ko sa team namin at ipapakita ko sa kanila na kaya namin. Kasi from that, susundan nila kung ano yung ginagawa ko and maganda kasi natrabaho namin as a team yung fifth set,” said the NU leader.
Returning head coach Norman Miguel expressed his admiration for Belen’s acceptance of the leader role that comes with heavy pressure knowing how the Lady Bulldogs are considered as a powerhouse in the eight-team field.
Miguel witnessed Belen and Co. grow from girls to women as he was already involved in the NU volleyball program since his current players were still part of the high school team.
“Lagi ko itong sinasabi, high school pa lang itong team na ito nung dumating ako sa NU, sobrang nakakaamaze na sila, sobra akong nag admire sa program ng NU because naproduce nga sila,” said Miguel.
“Para sa akin, kapag kinakausap ko si Bella, importante sa kanya yung hindi siya tutukod kasi siya talaga yung pinupuntahan, nilalapitan, everybody’s looking up to her so alam ko may pressure sa kanya yun pero since mature nga siya so nahahandle niya,” he added.
“Kaya proud ako sa kanya.”
