“I’m really happy about it” — Bella Belen excited by Capital1’s new-look roster

The Capital1 Solar Spikers have undergone a significant roster overhaul in the offseason as they gear up for the upcoming Premier Volleyball League (PVL) All-Filipino Conference, opting to blend veteran experience with youthful energy in hopes of making a deeper run this season.

In a busy transfer period, Solar Spikers management bolstered the lineup by acquiring a host of seasoned players from across the league. The new additions include Pauline Gaston, Shaya Adorador, and Jasmine Nabor from the now-defunct Chery Tiggo Crossovers; former Choco Mucho Flying Titans middle blocker Cherry Nunag; Ezra Madrigal from the Akari Chargers; France Ronquillo and Ysa Jimenez from the Galeries Tower Highrisers; and Rachel Jorvina from the Nxled Chameleons. The influx of experience is expected to provide stability and leadership to a roster anchored by young talent.

At the forefront of that youthful core is Bella Belen, Capital1’s star player and the first overall pick in last year’s PVL Rookie Draft. Heading into her second season with the franchise, the 23-year-old expressed excitement over the team’s revamped roster and optimism about the direction the Solar Spikers are headed.

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“Of course, I’m really happy because the league has become more competitive, every team added new players. On our team, almost half of the roster is new, and I’m really happy about it. I know the players who joined us can really help the team. I’m excited about what I can learn from them and what we can bring into this conference. The new players adjusted well, so it doesn’t feel like a totally new environment,” Belen said in a media interaction.

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Roster movement across the PVL has reshaped several teams, and super rookie Bella Belen now finds herself preparing for matchups against former teammates wearing different uniforms. For the Capital1 star, the situation brings both familiarity and excitement. pic.twitter.com/YWlUGy9nbA

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Belen played a key role in Capital1’s breakthrough campaign last season, helping the Solar Spikers reach the quarterfinals of the Reinforced Conference. Now more experienced and confident, she is expected to take on a larger leadership role as the team aims to take the next step forward in an increasingly competitive league.

Still, Belen is well aware that the road ahead will not be easy. With all nine other PVL teams also reinforcing their rosters during the offseason, the All-Filipino Conference promises to be one of the most competitive in recent memory.

“It’s definitely a big challenge. Even if we have faced each other before, this conference is different because every team has really leveled up. We are giving our best in every training to improve our game and show a good performance at this conference,” she added.

Adding another layer of intrigue to the upcoming conference is the prospect of Belen facing familiar faces from Alas Pilipinas. She is particularly looking forward to going up against longtime teammates Jia De Guzman and Eya Laure, both of whom will suit up for new teams this season. De Guzman returns to the Creamline Cool Smashers after a three-year absence, while Laure has joined the Choco Mucho Flying Titans.

“I used to joke with them back when we were on the national team, telling them not to play if we ever faced each other. I have been teammates with them for a long time, so I’m really excited to see how I will perform against them. I know them well, but every team has a different system, so I’m really looking forward to our matchup,” Belen concluded.

Capital1 will look to carry its renewed optimism into the start of the All-Filipino Conference when the Solar Spikers open their campaign against the ZUS Coffee Thunderbelles on Tuesday, February 3, at the FilOil Center in San Juan City. With a revamped roster, a growing star in Belen, and heightened competition across the league, the Solar Spikers are eager to see how their offseason gamble pays off on the court.

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