Rald Ricafort didn’t mince words when praising Bella Belen, calling the league’s top overall pick a force to be reckoned with and declaring she has what it takes to be a legitimate MVP candidate this season.
PLDT, which limited Belen to just 13 points in her official PVL debut during the previous conference, faced a very different player this time — one who exploded for a PVL career-high 28 points and proved she was no longer just a rising star.
Ricafort, a two-time champion with PLDT and Petro Gazz, said the 23-year-old outside spiker’s performance could be a preview of what’s to come in her second conference in the league.
“Nung huling beses ko siya na-congratulate, Bella Bytsenko ang tawag ko sa kanya,” said Ricafort, drawing a comparison to Sasha Bytsenko, the Solar Spikers’ Reinforced Conference import.
“Ganyan talaga magiging season niya. For sure, MVP candidate talaga siya this season.”
Ricafort went on to praise Belen as a complete package, highlighting her attacking prowess, precise passing, and ability to convert out-of-system plays — qualities that make her, in his eyes, one of a kind.
The three-time UAAP MVP finished with 26 attacks, one block, one ace, 10 digs, and 12 receptions, but the High Speed Hitters still secured a 25-20, 25-16, 22-25, 25-17 win for a 2-0 start in the 2026 PVL All-Filipino Conference.
(C) PVL Images
“‘Yun nga eh. ‘Yun talaga nilook-forward namin today na i-try talaga bawasan si Bella. Pero siyempre, credit pa rin sa kanya dahil nandun talaga ‘yung skill eh. Kumpleto laro, passing, out-of-system,” Ricafort said.
“Parang nakarami siyang points backrow pa, so siya talaga ‘yun. Bigay namin ‘yun sa kanya.”
Former national team teammate Kianna Dy echoed the praise, noting that Belen has grown even more complete and confident since their days together with Rebisco at the 2021 AVC Women’s Club Championship. Dy described her as noticeably more mature and refined now.
“I guess I feel like mas mature siya ngayon. Very calm na siya inside, dinadala na niya yung teammates niya,” said Dy, who had the task of defending Belen above the net.
“Before kasi sa national team which was many years ago medyo baby baby pa siya so ayun mas mature leader type siya,” she added.
Despite PLDT’s careful preparation to contain her, Belen still erupted for 28 points — a clear testament to her unstoppable talent and growth as a player.
“Ang likot ng bola niya. Madaming daan yung bola niya, so mahirap talagang i-block. Kita naman sa 28 points niya, we prepared for her also. Alam naman na Bella will be given a lot of balls. Ayun, 28 points nga siya,” Dy said.
#WATCH: MAKULIT YUNG BOLA NIYA 🏐
Kim Kianna Dy sees vast improvements from Bella Belen since the last time they played together in the national team #ReadMore 👉 https://t.co/PUkLFBilni
📹 @jonashdcd /Tiebreaker Times#PVL2026 pic.twitter.com/LIYamE4rPK
— Tiebreaker Times (@tiebreakertimes) February 12, 2026
