Despite the quarterfinals exit in her first PVL Reinforced Conference, Bella Belen still relished her experience leading the young Capital1 Solar Spikers against the top club teams in the country as she shifts her focus to the 33rd Southeast Asian Games in Thailand next month.
Belen had nine points and 19 excellent receptions as Capital1 was knocked out by the No.2 ZUS Coffee, 25-14, 25-20, 25-18, on Monday at Smart Araneta Coliseum.
The three-time UAAP MVP out of National University shed tears after her first PVL tournament reached an end, but she exited with a lot of learnings that she can use on a possible SEA Games debut with Alas Pilipinas.
‘For me, this conference helped a lot. It’s a different system, but it really prepares me for the SEA Games because I already know what I need to work on and what role I need to play,’ Belen told the reporters in Filipino. ‘I’m also very happy that we reached the quarterfinals. There are so many lessons I can take with me to the next games.’
Belen, who was juggling PVL with some Alas practices, is ready to do whatever it takes for the flag when she gets a chance to play for the national team in Thailand.
‘As of now, my mindset is still to show up and be ready. For the SEA Games, whoever makes the lineup, everyone deserves it. It’s not guaranteed that I’ll always be playing, but whenever I do get the chance to step in, I’ll make sure I give my best for the national team and for the Philippine flag,’ Belen said.
‘Alas has been practicing continuously, leading up to the SEA Games. For us at Capital1, we’re also starting training little by little. When we don’t have team training with Capital1, we train for the national team. Right now, I’m hoping everyone can start training together soon because it’s really hard to prepare in just a few days, especially since our opponents for the SEA Games have been preparing for a long time.’
‘I really hope we can make it to the podium. We’ll work for it. It’s tough, but tougher things can also be more fulfilling,’ she added.
Her first PVL conference was a roller coaster ride, but she was pleased with the team’s progress-and also her own-after going up against imports and playing with Ukrainian hitter Sasha Bytsenko.
‘It was very challenging. The PVL is on a different level compared to the UAAP. The level of competition is much higher, and you have to know how to handle your emotions and excitement every game. Every team adjusts really fast, so we also have to be like that in Capital1. We have to know when and how to make things work for us,’ said Belen.
‘We improved a lot as a team. But of course, we’re still hoping and I’m still hoping that we can continue to grow because all the teams are on an upward trend. I’m really looking forward to what more we can do in the next conference.’