Bella Belen just had the best game of her professional career, and she’s already thinking about what she could have done better.
The Capital1 Solar Spikers star scored a career-high 35 points on 34 attacks and 1 block, and added 20 excellent digs and 19 excellent receptions. Her performance carried the Solar Spikers past the Akari Chargers, 28-26, 22-25, 25-15, 23-25, 21-19, in the 2026–27 PVL All-Filipino Conference Siklab Series at the Ynares Center in Antipolo.
Bella Belen’s Unchanging Approach
For the No. 1 pick of the 2025 PVL Draft, a big stat line doesn’t change her approach. She said she always walks off the court looking for something to fix.
“Siguro, sa mindset ko na rin as a player, kasi every time maglalaro ako with my team, lagi kong iniisip kung paano ko mai-improve ’yung game ko. So, ganoon naman palagi,” said Belen.
“I mean, ngayon, sabihin na natin, maganda ’yung naging performance ko. I believe meron pa ring instances sa game na dapat kong ginawa pero ’di ko nagawa. Lagi ko lang tinitingnan kung meron pa akong kayang i-improve. And siyempre, ’di ko naman ’to magagawa without the help of my teammates. Siyempre, ’yung tiwala na binibigay ng coaches and teammates ko,” she added.
Playing Through Injury
What made the outing more impressive is that Bella Belen is still playing through a right wrist injury, with her hand heavily taped. Capital1 head coach Jorge Souza de Brito was quick to praise her, both for the numbers and for how she carried herself during the tight moments.
“It’s amazing. It’s something that we respect, but we also expect the team to support her. She didn’t do it all alone, but what she did was amazing. She’s still recovering and getting her grip back, but what’s important is that she played four sets without taking a break. She also played most of the final sets in the last match,” said De Brito.
“But I want to say this: congratulations to her. It’s not just about the score or the points, but also her behavior on the court, leading the team and helping everyone trust not only her but also the system and each other. I know she can do even better, and we’re going to pray and work toward that and bring everyone together,” he added.
Motivation From Last Conference
Bella Belen’s motivation comes from how last conference ended. Capital1 missed the playoffs, and with a deeper roster this time, she believes the team is ready to do more.
“Ang lagi ko namang pinanghuhugutan is kung ano ’yung nakamit namin last conference. Last conference, ’di kami nakapasok sa playoffs. So parang this conference, mas maraming dumagdag na skillful players,” she said.
“So, I feel like we have a chance na maging mas maganda pa ’yung performance namin compared last conference. I believe maganda naman pinapakita ng team, game-by-game, training-by-training.”
Bella Belen’s Capital1 will next face the ZUS Coffee Thunderbelles on Tuesday, October 20, 1:00 p.m. at the SM Mall of Asia Arena.
