Bella Belen dazzled in her pro debut with 20 points, 18 digs, and 12 excellent receptions, but not enough to lift Capital1 to a winning start in the PVL Reinforced Conference.
Belen’s all-around game was in full display, but Capital1 fell short against Choco Mucho, 31-33, 24-26, 23-25, on Tuesday night at Ynares Center Montalban.
‘Of course, I’m really happy that I finally got to play. But sadly, we didn’t win. It’s a bit frustrating because I felt like we could’ve pushed the game further, but we fell short in the end,’ Belen told reporters in Filipino.
‘There were crucial moments, like during long rallies, where we kind of stopped fighting. I think we still lack some mental toughness and trust in each other. That’s something we really need to work on, especially since most of the sets were really close. Like in the first set, we even went past 30 points. So it was really a missed opportunity.’
Belen, the top overall pick, was far from satisfied despite an impressive opening game.
‘I just focus on what I can contribute to the game and what I can still improve on for the next matches. I don’t really think too much about the scores or stats. I just want to perform well,’ Belen said.
‘I honestly feel like I could’ve done more. I know I can still play better, but I guess it’s fine for a first game. There were some nerves, of course. I think I can definitely step up more in the next games.’
The 23-year-old Belen dominated in the UAAP, where she led National University to three championships with the same number of MVP awards.
Belen, however, knows that playing in the pros against the best volleyball players in the country offers a different kind of challenge.
‘I think what I need to develop more is patience, because this is a different level of play. It’s not like the UAAP anymore. Everyone here really wants to win, even our opponents. I need to be more patient with myself and with the team,’ she added.
‘It’s a totally different vibe now compared to when I played with NU. I’m with different teammates, under a new system, so I really need to adjust. But it’s just the first game. There’s still time for me to adapt, and there are more games ahead. We just need to adjust quickly because the pace here is fast,’ said Belen.
Belen and the Solar Spikers seek to bounce back on Monday against On Tour and Invitational champion PLDT at Smart Araneta Coliseum.