In her final UAAP season, NU’s Bella Belen continues to elevate her level of play. UAAP photo
Lady Bulldogs confident
BELLA Belen knows that National University, still perfect in the UAAP women’s volleyball tournament, has the target on its back.
The Lady Bulldogs have continued to set the bar high, winning all their eight matches as they make a determined push to win back-to-back titles.
“Ako kasi, gusto ko lang lagi itinataas yung level ng paglalaro ko kasi yun nga, marami pong mga bata na pumapasok sa UAAP na magaling, so ako kailangan itaas ko pa yung level ng laro,” said Belen after NU reasserted its mastery of La Salle, 25-19, 22-25, 25-20, 25-18 Sunday night at the Mall of Asia Arena.
Belen, the first-ever rookie MVP in the women’s division, is simply trying to help the Lady Bulldogs remain on top just before she wraps up her collegiate career.
“Yung awards na ‘yan, bonus lang sa players, so kailangan lang namin magsumikap. Hindi naman po ‘yun yung goal namin this season,” said Belen.
NU coach Sherwin Meneses praised Belen’s leadership and influence on the team.
“Siyempre, number one talaga pag-handle niya sa team, in or out sa court. Yung pagka-captain ball niya, nandyan yung mga senior team na talagang nahahandle niya ng maayos yung mga bata,” said Meneses.
Aside from being the top Lady Bulldogs scorer and server, Belen’s ability to keep the team together despite the intense pressure is always there.
NU hopes to sustain its perfect run against University of the Philippines, which lost a heartbreaking five-setter to Ateneo to open the second round, tomorrow at the Filoil EcoOil Centre.
“Wala nang madaling laro ngayon, nag-improve na yung mga teams, so dapat ready na kami sa bawat laro,” said Meneses.
