Bella Belen played through lower back pain in National University’s straight-sets win over Ateneo de Manila University on Wednesday.
Although she was limited to a career-low two points on a 1-of-18 clip from attacks, the Season 84 MVP still contributed to the best of her abilities, producing 9-of-16 digs and 5-of-10 receptions.
“Sa performance ko naman po, may pain something sa sarili ko. Sa game ko kanina naisip ko kasi hindi dapat rason kung may masakit man sa akin or what dapat makaisip ako sa paraan kung saan ko kayang mag-contribute,” shared Belen after the 25-22, 25-16, 25-15 win over the Blue Eagles.
“Kung hindi ko man kaya gumawa sa atake, sa defense side ako babawi kasi inisip ko lang kanina ano ba yung kaya kong icontribute sa team bukod sa atake na hindi ko nga magawa kanina,” she continued.
The 21-year-old outside hitter also praised her teammates highly, who more than picked up the slack she left on offense.
Alyssa Solomon led the charge with 23 points, with 19 attacks and four aces, while Vange Alinsug added 15 points with 14 spikes and a block.
“Yung team talagang nagsasaluhan kami katulad kanina alam nilang nahihirapan ako sa attack part, lagi lang nilang sinasabi lalo na si Ate Aly na, ‘Kaya mo yan Bella naka-support lang kami dito,‘” shared Belen.
Despite her subpar offense, Belen felt that it was still a successful outing for her, seeing the team improve to 9-2 and still undefeated in the second round of eliminations.
Now, the Lady Bulldogs set their sights on Sunday when De La Salle University awaits them in a game that could have significant implications in the race for the top two seeds, which will receive twice-to-beat incentives.
University of Santo Tomas leads the league with a 10-1 record, followed by La Salle’s 9-1.
And National U is expected to perform at their peak, with or without Angel Canino in the Lady Spikers’ lineup.
“Sabi namin, i-expect namin na kumpleto ‘yung La Salle na talagang pati si Angel maglalaro. Hindi dapat kami mag-underestimate ng kalaban,” said Belen.
“Kumbaga nandoon pa rin ‘yung respect. Nandoon man si Angel o wala, kailangan ‘yung performance namin, talagang maganda. Kung sino ba talaga ‘yung NU, kung paano kami mag-training, dapat ‘yun pa rin ‘yung dala namin.”
