CEBU CITY — Bella Belen believes Capital1 will be just fine despite squandering a two-set lead in its 2026 Premier Volleyball League All-Filipino Conference Siklab Series debut against Choco Mucho on Saturday.
The Solar Spikers entered the season with heightened expectations after bolstering their roster with former league MVPs Vanie Gandler and Erika Santos, seasoned playmaker Julia Coronel, and second overall pick Detdet Pepito to complement an already promising core.
They looked every bit the powerhouse squad fans expected them to be, taking the first two sets against a retooled Flying Titans side that welcomed back Eya Laure and Sisi Rondina while adding Dawn Catindig and Lorene Toring to its lineup.
However, Capital1 struggled to sustain its early momentum as Choco Mucho settled into the match, completing a comeback with a 22-25, 18-25, 25-17, 25-20, 15-8 victory at the SM Seaside Cebu Arena.
“Siguro, I think not bad naman siya sa naging performance ng team, kasi we had a chance na sana, lalo nung third set or fourth set. We had a chance na to close the game, and I think okay naman talaga siya kasi siyempre, ‘yung Choco Mucho, hindi naman talaga siya basta-bastang team,” said last year’s Rookie of the Year.
“Kumbaga, power team din talaga sila. Siyempre, nandun sila Ate Eya, Ate Sisi, so I believe maganda pa rin naman ‘yung pinerform ng team despite na natalo kami,” she added.
(C) PVL Images
Despite having played alongside some of her new Solar Spikers teammates with Alas Pilipinas, Belen acknowledged that Capital1 still needs more time together to develop chemistry at the club level.
“Siguro, more on attitude na rin talaga, eh. Kumbaga, since bago ‘yung team, I mean, hindi pa kami ganun katagal nagti-training. Pero siyempre, ‘di naman namin pwedeng gawing excuse ‘yun kung bakit kami natalo,” said Belen.
“Pero siyempre, sabi ko nga, hindi naman porke’t nakakuha kami ng mga skillful na player eh magiging madali na sa’min ‘yung laro. Siyempre, kailangan pa rin namin ‘yung mahabang training, and ‘yun, chemistry pa rin talaga inside the court,” she added.
Capital1 showed plenty of promise in its first outing, with Santos leading the way with 22 points.
Gandler chipped in 15 points and 14 excellent receptions, while Coronel tallied 27 excellent sets and Pepito anchored the defense with 29 excellent digs.
Meanwhile, Belen, the top overall pick in the 2025 PVL Draft, delivered a triple-double with 15 points on 13 attacks and two blocks. That was despite playing through a right wrist injury that had been bothering her for the past four months.
While the Solar Spikers showed what they are capable of, Belen stressed the need to turn that potential into results. She also vowed to ensure the team does not suffer another letdown after surrendering a two-set advantage.
“Kumbaga, sabi nga kanina, dapat hindi kami puro potential. Kumbaga, ‘pag tiningnan ‘yung team, nakikita ‘yung potential, pero kailangan naming lumabas na dun sa potential na term na ‘yun,” said the three-time UAAP MVP.
“Hindi na dapat maulit ‘to. Sabi nga, kailangan first and last na.”
