Bella Belen thrived under pressure as she powered the Capital1 Solar Spikers to a four-set win over the ZUS Coffee Thunderbelles, 25-17, 25-16, 15-25, 25-19, in their opening game of the 2026 PVL All-Filipino Conference at the FilOil Centre.
Bella Belen Delivers in Crunch Time
After yielding the third set, Bella Belen took full control in the fourth, delivering when Capital1 needed it most. The former UAAP MVP finished with a career-high 26 points on 24 attacks and 2 service aces, while also contributing 16 excellent digs and 7 excellent receptions in an all-around masterclass.
Late in the fourth set, Belen ignited a decisive 9-0 run that turned a tight contest into a 22-17 Capital1 advantage. She then scored back-to-back points to close out the match and seal the Solar Spikers’ first win of the conference.
“Siguro po iniisip ko na lang kung paano pa ako makakapag-contribute pa sa team since may chance kaming mapanalo ‘yung game. So, parang now or never na for us kasi pag hindi kami nag-all out pa that set, meron pa silang chance na makakuha sa amin,” Belen said after the match.
“So, ‘yun lang ‘yung iniisip ko, kung ano pa ‘yung puwede kong gawin kasi ‘yung teammate ko ginagawa nila ‘yung trabaho nila, and kailangan ko rin gawin ‘yung trabaho ko as a player.”
Other Solar Spikers Step Up
Belen received ample support from her teammates, with Shaya Adorador adding 14 points, Ysa Jimenez scoring 13, and Pauline Gaston finishing with 12 markers.
On the other side, Thea Gagate led the Thunderbelles with 15 points built on 10 attacks and 5 blocks. Riza Nogales chipped in 12 points, while Chinnie Arroyo and Jovelyn Gonzaga added 11 and 10 points, respectively.
What’s Next in the 2026 PVL All-Filipino Conference:
Thursday, February 5
Choco Mucho Flying Titans vs. Cignal Super Spikers, 4:00 p.m.
Creamline Cool Smashers vs. PLDT High Speed Hitters, 6:30 p.m.
Capital1 Solar Spikers
Saturday (February 7) vs. NXLED Chameleons, 6:30 p.m., FilOil Centre
ZUS Coffee Thunderbelles
Saturday (February 7) vs. Galeries Tower Highrisers, 4:00 p.m., FilOil Centre
