Connect with us

Hi, what are you looking for?

Tiebreaker Times

News

‘Swag’ relieves game pressure for UAAP athletes, explains Bella Belen


National University and De La Salle University’s second-round matchup in the UAAP Season 87 women’s volleyball tournament turned out to be an all-out “swagfest.”

It seemed like every point sparked animated celebrations, much to the delight of the packed SM Mall of Asia Arena on Sunday night.

For Bella Belen, swag isn’t about taunting the opponent; it’s an athlete’s way of expressing their enjoyment of the game they’re so passionate about.

The Lady Bulldogs emerged victorious after a two-hour battle against the Lady Spikers, winning 25-19, 22-25, 25-20, 25-18. Belen contributed 23 points, 17 receptions, and seven digs.

“Ako kasi personally, ano kasi ako maglaro eh. Parang bakla, bakla. Mala-Josh. Josh Ybañez,” said the two-time MVP.

“Ako kasi, pag nilabas ko yung ako maglaro, dun ko nakikita na para nagaganahan yung team kasi sa training ganito ako eh. Bale parang nag-aantsahan kami. So, parang normal lang naman sa amin kasi parang, dun namin nae-express yung paano namin ma-enjoy yung laro.”

UAAP-87-WVB-NU-vs.-DLSU-Bella-Belen-0001 ‘Swag’ relieves game pressure for UAAP athletes, explains Bella Belen News NU UAAP Volleyball  - philippine sports news

(C) UAAP Season 87 Media Team

Despite her fun-loving attitude, the Psychology student emphasized the importance of not letting emotions take over when receiving a swag from an opponent.

For her, it’s all about making the sport more enjoyable, especially during a four-month journey to the Final Four.

“Ako kasi, feeling ko pag inisip ko na kailangan ko bumawi ng swag, mawawala ako sa laro. Kasi ano pinunta mo dito? Mag-swag ka lang? Hindi para maglaro? Ako naman wala, ah okay, nagswag sila samin. Cute,” shared the graduating Belen.

“Okay lang kasi part naman yun ng game. Wala naman mali doon kasi ganon sila mag-celebrate. So kami, kung paano kami mag-celebrate, gawin lang din namin. Hindi naman nasa utak namin na every game kailangan mag-swag, ganyan, hindi. Kailangan lang namin ilabas kung paano kami maglaro.”

NU has seemed to enjoy every moment of the season so far, with an unbeaten eight-game streak to open the tournament.

#ReadMore  John Ambuludto beats buzzer, carries Wangs past Gamboa in thriller
Written By

Just a kid from Cavite trying to make a difference.




You May Also Like

Basketball

Despite being a champion with the University of the Philippines, Dikachi Ududo has not forgotten his roots. The 21-year-old recently sent sporting gear and...

News

Japan-bound Leo Aringo gave full credit to the National University men’s volleyball team coaches and managers for paving the way to the next chapter...

News

Bella Belen’s name is already etched in UAAP history, but she’s far from done writing her volleyball story. After an illustrious 11-year run with...

Alas Pilipinas

Vietnam head coach Nguyen Tuan Kiet had high praise for Alas Pilipinas standouts Angel Canino and Bella Belen, whose stellar performances were instrumental in...

Alas Pilipinas

Alas Pilipinas Women ran into a wall too high to scale on Saturday night. The Philippines’ historic run came to a heartbreaking end after...

Alas Pilipinas

Last year, bronze was the pinnacle. This year, it might just be the beginning. Alas Pilipinas Women have shattered expectations once more, punching their...

Alas Pilipinas

Last year, Alas Pilipinas Women broke barriers by reaching their first-ever semifinal in an Asian Volleyball Confederation-sanctioned tournament. This year, they soared even higher...

Alas Pilipinas

With fresh legs and sharper focus, Bella Belen and Angel Canino delivered when it mattered most. Coming off limited minutes against New Zealand, the...

Advertisement