Bella Belen steps up as Capital1 opens PVL AFC campaign strong

Capital1’s first conference game was supposed to be about introductions — new faces, new chemistry, and a new identity taking shape in real time. Instead, it quickly became about Bella Belen.

With eight newcomers around her and the Solar Spikers still figuring out their on-court rhythm, Belen walked into her second PVL stint carrying more than just the weight of expectations that come with being the No. 1 overall pick. 

Hours before tip-off, she was informed she would serve as interim captain, filling in for regular skipper Roma Doromal, who was sidelined by illness.

At 23, and among the youngest on the floor, Belen didn’t hesitate.

Capital1 opened its campaign with a 25-17, 25-16, 15-25, 25-19 win over ZUS Coffee on Tuesday, and Belen made sure the moment didn’t slip away. She delivered the most complete performance of her young pro career, pouring in a career-high 28 points while anchoring the backcourt with 16 digs and seven receptions.

If there were doubts about whether the sudden leadership role would weigh her down, the numbers — and her poise — erased them quickly.

“In-inform din ako ni coach Jorge kahapon na if kaya ko raw ‘yung ganyan, o kapag masyadong mabigat siya for me,” Belen said.

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A SOLAR STATEMENT

Bella Belen works her magic to steer the Capital1 Solar Spikers to a four-set victory over the ZUS Coffee Thunderbelles, earning their first win of the 2026 PVL All-Filipino Conference!#PVL2026 #TheHeartofVolleyball pic.twitter.com/XQox5eQX1f

— One Sports (@OneSportsPHL) February 3, 2026

“Sabi ko naman, kaya ko naman since for me, ‘yung being a captain, pinagkaiba niya lang is may line ka lang under your number.

“Kung kahit naman hindi ako captain, I’ll try my best naman na mag-lead din ng team.”

Still, Belen acknowledged that the responsibility felt different from her days at NU, where leadership came with familiarity and time. This time, she was guiding a professional roster she was only beginning to know.

“Iba talaga, kasi sa NU, kasama ko na rin sila before so hindi siya ganun kahirap for me. Dito naman, hindi rin ganun kahirap since feeling ko pagdating sa game, sa Capital, walang captain-captain talaga eh,” she said.

“Kung sino kayang mag-lead, kailangan mag-lead din [dahil] hindi pwedeng isa o dalawa lang po talaga ‘yung gumagana sa team.”

In Capital1’s debut, the captaincy stripe may have arrived unexpectedly, but Belen showed that leadership — much like her impact — doesn’t need to be announced. It shows up in moments, decisions, and the calm that settles a team finding its footing. 

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