With the UAAP Season 87 Final Four looming, Bella Belen delivered a statement performance that not only lifted the Lady Bulldogs to the top of the standings but also reminded everyone why she remains the gold standard of collegiate volleyball.
For her clutch showing and relentless leadership during NU’s undefeated week, Belen was named the Collegiate Press Corps’ UAAP Player of the Week presented by the Philippine Sports Commission for the period of April 23 to 27.
In a five-set battle against rival UST Golden Tigresses on Sunday, Belen delivered a masterclass, erupting for 26 points built on 24 attacks and two blocks.
She also anchored the Lady Bulldogs’ floor defense with 17 digs and 13 excellent receptions in the win that forced a playoff for the twice-to-beat advantage between UST and the DLSU Lady Spikers.
The performance was not just a stat-stuffer — it was a statement.
(C) UAAP Season 87 Media Team
With her back against the wall and the postseason on the horizon, Belen brought out her signature firepower and composure when it mattered most.
Throughout the season, the reigning two-time MVP has showcased her all-around brilliance, racking up five triple-doubles to power NU’s Final Four campaign.
But even with her consistently dominant play, Belen remains hungry for growth.
“Siguro po, personally, masasabi ko hindi pa masyado. Like, paunti-unti, kasi ganoon naman talaga kahit sino sa amin. Kumbaga, kailangan, kada game, nag-i-improve kami kahit kaunti, lalo na’t papasok na po sa Final Four,” Belen shared after the thriller against UST.
“So, kung kaya pa naming may ipakita pang bago every game, and mas taasan pa ‘yung paglalaro namin, ‘yun ‘yung gagawin namin. Ganoon naman po kami lagi, hindi kami nasasatisfy sa kung anong naging performance namin.”
Belen edged out a deep pool of contenders for the weekly citation, including NU setter Lams Lamina, FEU’s Gerzel Petallo, La Salle’s Angel Canino, UST’s Angge Poyos, and Adamson’s back-to-back Player of the Week, Shaina Nitura. The award was deliberated by print and online sportswriters covering the collegiate beat.
