National University star Bella Belen against De La Salle University in their UAAP Season 87 women’s volleyball clash on Sunday, February 16, at the Mall of Asia Arena in Pasay City. Photo from UAAP Media.MANILA — National University’s championship defense started on the right track as it swept De La Salle University in their UAAP Season 87 women’s volleyball debut
The reigning titlists were simply too good for the Lady Spikers, with the hitters from Jhocson Street dominating the Taft-based squad on the attacking department, 47-32, and Season 86 MVP Bella Belen was proud of how they delivered right away.
READ: National U makes a statement sweep of La Salle to start title-retention campaign
“Trinabaho po talaga ng team," said Belen after the game. "Parang sa training pa lang, sinabi na namin na dapat first game maganda agad yung pasok namin as a team. Kailangan yung pagtatyaga namin, andon kasi yung La Salle, champion team po sila. Palaban yung La Salle, so dapat mas palaban po kami."
It was a usual day at the office for Belen, putting up 14 points and six receptions, but what she was proud of most was how their young players displayed their prowess against a worthy rival that is La Salle.
“I’m very happy kahit konting time lang yung binigay sa mga rookies,” she pointed out. “Sabi ko nga sa kanila kagabi, ‘di porket may pinalitan ka, kailangan mo nang tapatan yung pinalitan mo. Kailangan mo lang gawin yung kaya mo, and I’m so happy kasi natulungan nila yung team.”
Among those who stepped up was rookie Celine Marsh as well as the returning Alexa Mata. The former had a point while the latter finished with 10, and Belen knows that they are capable of doing even more.
“I believe na marami pa silang kayang gawin and ipakita sa mga next games namin,” she said.
The two-time league MVP and champion already expressed that this would be her final UAAP playing year, but she is confident that the transition from her batchmates to the next will be seamless because of their young core.
“Sobrang confident ko sa kanila. Sa training pa lang, nakikita ko na yung galaw ng mga bata,” shared Belen. “Alam nilang maraming ga-graduate so kailangan nilang mag step up. I’m very confident na pag alis namin, maayos yung maiiwan namin.”
READ: NU's Bella Belen says Season 87 is her final playing year in UAAP
Aside from Belen, Alyssa Solomon, Lams Lamina, Erin Pangilinan, and Sheena Toring are expected to exit NU’s program at the conclusion of Season 87.
On the other hand, among those who are primed to hold the fort for the Sherwin Meneses-mentored Lady Bulldogs other than Mata and Marsh moving forward are Vange Alinsug and Arah Panique.
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