Jennifer Nierva thrived in a high-stakes, full-circle moment on Tuesday, going head-to-head with former National University teammate and now Capital1 star Bella Belen in the 2025 Premier Volleyball League Reinforced Conference.
For the first time in their careers, Nierva found herself on the receiving end of Belen’s trademark thunderous spikes when Chery Tiggo clashed with the Solar Spikers in a match that carried crucial implications for the remaining quarterfinal spots.
“I want to commend her. She’s one of the best spikers out there, especially here in our country,” Nierva said after Chery Tiggo escaped with a nail-biting 27-25, 23-25, 25-12, 22-25, 15-13 victory at the Filoil EcoOil Centre.
Nierva and Belen had previously shared the court at NU, forming part of the core that jumpstarted the Lady Bulldogs’ dynasty.
They captured the UAAP Season 84 championship, ending NU’s 65-year title drought, before falling to La Salle in Season 85.
After that campaign, Nierva took her talents to the professional ranks, while Belen led NU to back-to-back titles in Seasons 86 and 87. The two briefly reunited under Alas Pilipinas earlier this year.
Tuesday’s matchup marked the first time the former Lady Bulldogs faced off in the professional league — a poignant reversal of roles for teammates turned rivals.
“I was happy because today is my first game playing against Bella,” said the 25-year-old libero, who is two years older than Belen.
“It’s just a different angle to see na nasa kabilang court siya. We’re both used to playing with one another, helping each other. Nakita ko rin siya kung paano siya mag-lead sa kabila. Nakakatuwa.”
(C) PVL Images
Nierva admitted it was challenging to contain the 2025 PVL Rookie Draft top overall pick.
Still, she channeled her focus into guiding her team, finishing with a standout defensive performance of 24 excellent digs and 17 excellent receptions.
“As you can see, I had a hard time, but again, it’s a team sport,” said the former UAAP Best Libero.
“I heard one of my coaches say, Jen, kailangan ka namin. Ang laking bagay niya for me na hindi ako pwedeng mawala sa game, even if napapaluan ako, naso-score-an ako. At the end of the day, importante kung pano yung team maglalaro. It’s just one point.”
