National University star Bella Belen. UAAP Media/FileMANILA -- Bella Belen will enter the UAAP Season 87 women's volleyball tournament with a greater sense of responsibility for the National University Lady Bulldogs.
Already a two-time UAAP champion and a two-time Most Valuable Player, Belen is aiming not just to win another crown but also to leave a legacy in their sports program.
"We're very excited this upcoming UAAP, kasi intact pa rin 'yung core namin. The seniors are expected to play pa rin," Belen told ABS-CBN News on Friday, on the sidelines of NU's contract signing with adidas Philippines.
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Aside from Belen, the Lady Bulldogs will still have Season 86 Finals MVP Alyssa Solomon, Sheena Toring, and Erin Pangilinan as their veterans.
"Paunti-unti naming tinatrabaho 'yung preparation namin," added Belen. "As of now, meron kaming Shakey's. Parang tinuturing namin siyang isa sa mga big step na pwede naming madala sa UAAP."
Belen has made a name for herself not only with her all-around skill set but also her personality. And while her sunny disposition will always remain, the open-hitter has also embraced a bigger leadership role for the Lady Bulldogs heading into Season 87.
"Na-accept ko na rin naman since parang isa na nga ako sa mga seniors sa team ko, and 'yung mga kasama ko is mga bata pa," said Belen.
"Parang sabi ko, I need to accept my role na talaga, para pag nag-exit kami sa NU, marami silang pwedeng makuha from us, and makaiwan kami ng legacy sa team namin," she said.
In this regard, her stint with the Alas Pilipinas women's national volleyball team has been of great help. Not only did it expose Belen to a higher level of competition, but it also allowed her to play in a different system and experience new leadership styles from veteran teammates.
"Malaking experience siya for me as a player na pwede ko mai-share sa teammates ko, mga experiences na natutunan ko kasama 'yung mga ibang ates ko na nakapaglaro," said Belen of her stint with Alas Pilipinas.
"Lalo na sila Ate Jia [De Guzman], sila Ate Sisi [Rondina] na marami na talagang experience sa paglalaro ng volleyball. So marami akong natutunan sa kanila, and nai-share ko naman sa teammates ko 'yun, what it's like to play talaga internationally na competitive, ganoon," she added.
For now, Belen and the Lady Bulldogs will focus on their campaign in the Shakey's Super League Collegiate Pre-season Championship, where they will play Far Eastern University in the semifinals on Saturday evening.
The winner will advance to the best-of-3 finals against De La Salle University.
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