Capital1's Bella Belen and France Ronquillo. PVL Media Bureau
MANILA — Capital1 relied on team effort as Bella Belen got help in their escape from Galeries, 25-20, 22-25, 25-22, 26-24, in the 2026 Premier Volleyball League (PVL) All-Filipino Conference on Saturday at the Filoil Centre in San Juan.
With the super rookie still leading the team, nailing 23 points, 14 excellent digs, and 15 excellent receptions, she wasn't alone this time as France Ronquillo made her presence felt by dropping a 20-point bomb on her former team, while Cherry Nunag had 14 points, and Sydney Niegos delivered 11 markers to complete the supporting cast.
Pulling the strings was playmaker Jasmine Nabor, who listed 20 excellent sets.
"Well, we work as a team. So everyone has to give their contribution. Sometimes you serve hard, sometimes you block. Even if you're not scoring, you're there to support. So it's a kind of engine to work," said coach Jorge de Brito. "We need everyone to be aware."
While de Brito acknowledged that Belen is doing her part, living up to the expectations as the 2025 PVL Draft number one overall pick, he noted that the team needs to do its job to realize their dream.
They are behind Belen every step of the way, said de Brito.
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"I think she's doing really good. She's really excited. And of course, just a rookie. Playing in the PVL. But I'm really happy because she's always trying to give more. Trying to learn every single day," he said.
"So all of them, they have a dream. And they're fighting for this. And this, for me, is what really matters. Dream as a team. So the goal is for everyone. We're lucky because she's [Bella Belen] shining. But also, she's not shining alone. We're going to help her in every, every, every action she do there inside," the former Alas Pilipinas tactician added.
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Belen acknowledged that she is taking notice of the efforts of her teammates, including fellow National U alum Ronquillo.
"Si ate France naman po, sa training pa lang, talagang nakikita ko na ‘yung effort niya to help dun sa team. And hindi lang naman po si ate France, kumbaga buong team, tina-try ‘yung best talaga nila na mag-contribute, hindi lang in terms of scoring," she said.
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"Siyempre, may other departments naman. Sabi nga namin before sa meeting namin na, kung hindi ka maka-score, maghanap ka ng way para makatulong sa team. And ganun po yung lumabas. Talagang team effort, and hindi naman namin maipapanalo yung game kung hindi po kami nagtulong-tulong."