Capital1's prized rookie Bella Belen. PVL Media Bureau
MANILA — Capital1 overhauled its roster in the offseason, bringing in eight new players.
And this retooled Capital1 immediately showed its capabilities, with Bella Belen at the helm, nailing a four-set 25-17, 25-16, 15-25, 25-19 victory over Zus Coffee in the 2026 PVL All-Filipino Conference, Tuesday at the Filoil Centre in San Juan.
The National U legend was just grateful for her new seniors, or "ates," as she affectionately addressed them, for the lessons and inspiration she could draw from them.
READ: PVL: Belen shines as Capital1 downs Zus Coffee, starts All-Filipino run on a sweet note
"I'm very thankful din po sa mga ate, sila ate Shaya [Adorador], na malaking help po sila sa team namin kasi siyempre, senior na po sila sa paglalaro ng volleyball, so marami ako personally natatutunan sa kanila," said Belen.
"And ayun po, marami po silang nabibigay sa team na talagang kailangan ng team," she added.
While she had a scoring outburst, firing 26 points—also her PVL best—the Alas Pilipinas star spiker had a lot of help.
New Capital1 recruits already made their presence felt in their first game, as Shaya Adorador had 14 points and seven excellent receptions, Ysa Jimenez had 13 markers, and Ponggay Gaston had 10 points.
According to Belen, their transition into coach Jorge de Brito's system is smooth because everyone is eager to learn and contribute.
"Hindi po kami masyado nahirapan kasi parang everyone naman is open to learn kung ano yung sistema ni coach Jorge, kung ano yung dapat namin gawin as a team."
While praising her teammates, Belen delivered the decisive plays in their match against the Thunderbelles and fellow top pick Thea Gagate.
"Iniisip ko lang kung ano pa yung pwede kong gawin, kasi yung teammates ko ginagawa nila yung trabaho nila—and kailangan ko rin gawin yung trabaho ko as a player."
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