Leading the Most Valuable Player race after the first round of the UAAP Season 87 women’s volleyball tournament, Bella Belen remains focused on improving herself as new talents continue to emerge in the league.
The two-time MVP from National University currently tops the race with 159.600 statistical points (SPs), but De La Salle University’s Shevana Laput is close behind with 157.692 SPs.
For Belen, however, it’s not just about staying ahead in the MVP race — it’s about continuously pushing herself to improve as fresh faces enter the UAAP every season.
During Belen’s sophomore year, La Salle’s Angel Canino made an immediate impact. The following season, UST’s Angge Poyos established herself as a rising star. This year, Adamson’s Shaina Nitura has stepped up as one of the league’s top rookies.
(C) UAAP Season 87 Media Team
“Ako kasi, gusto ko lang lagi itinataas yung level ng paglalaro ko kasi yun nga, marami pong mga bata na pumapasok sa UAAP na magaling, so ako kailangan itaas ko pa yung level ng laro,” said Belen, the first-ever rookie MVP in the women’s division.
“Yung awards na ‘yan, bonus lang sa players, so kailangan lang namin magsumikap. Hindi naman po ‘yun yung goal namin this season.”
The 5-foot-8 outside hitter has been dominant on both ends of the floor. She currently ranks seventh in total points with 107 after the first round, eighth in spiking efficiency at 33.47%, first in aces with 0.63 per set, sixth in digs at 2.60 per set, and fifth in receiving with a 33.58% efficiency rate.
The Lady Bulldogs remain unbeaten after eight games, with their latest victory coming against their newfound rivals, the De La Salle Lady Spikers. NU completed a head-to-head sweep of La Salle in the elimination round with a 25-19, 22-25, 25-20, 25-18 win on Sunday at the SM Mall of Asia Arena.
NU head coach Sherwin Meneses praised Belen’s leadership and influence on the team.
“Siyempre, number one talaga pag-handle niya sa team, in or out sa court. Yung pagka-captain ball niya, nandyan yung mga senior team na talagang nahahandle niya ng maayos yung mga bata,” said Meneses.
Belen also led by example in the stat sheet, stuffing multiple categories against La Salle. She erupted for 23 points on 17 spikes, four blocks, and two aces while also contributing 17 excellent receptions and seven excellent digs.
#WATCH: Bella Belen on why volleyball players need a little swag on the court—”Mala-Josh Ybanez!” 🏐
📹 @justinvalencia_ /Tiebreaker Times#UAAPSeason87 pic.twitter.com/YgkluK2n8V
— Tiebreaker Times (@tiebreakertimes) March 23, 2025
