Bella Belen savors first win in PVL after helping lead Capital1 past Nxled

The Capital1 Solar Spikers finally broke through in the 2024 Premier Volleyball League (PVL) All-Filipino Conference, notching their first win with a convincing four-set triumph over the Nxled Chameleons, 25-20, 23-25, 27-25, 25-12, on Thursday, October 16, at the Smart Araneta Coliseum.

Ukrainian import Oleksandra Bytsenko powered Capital1 with a conference-best 35 points, all from attacks, adding three blocks and an ace in a dominant all-around performance. Top overall draft pick Bella Belen continued to show why she’s one of the league’s most exciting young stars, contributing 15 points and 14 excellent digs in a solid two-way showing.

The victory also marked the first for Jorge Souza de Brito as head coach of Capital1. De Brito, who also helms the national squad Alas Pilipinas, saw his team bounce back from an opening-day loss with renewed energy and focus.

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“It’s really about the feeling—how fulfilling it is to finally win here in the pros,” said Belen in the post-match press conference. “That feeling motivates me to be more disciplined and to keep improving. Hopefully, it leads to more wins, so it’s not just a one-time thing.”

WATCH: Capital1 coach Jorge Souza De Brito and Bella Belen after their first win. #PVL2025 | @LanceAgcaoilINQ pic.twitter.com/WVJB14VsRO

— INQUIRER Sports (@INQUIRERSports) October 16, 2025

The 23-year-old former UAAP MVP admitted that their previous loss to PLDT served as a wake-up call, shaping the team’s mindset heading into Thursday’s match.

“After the PLDT game, we knew we had to win this one. Losing wasn’t an option. That mindset helped us in training and carried over into the game,” Belen added. “From here, we just need to carry the lessons forward and keep improving.”

Quickly emerging as one of Philippine volleyball’s most promising stars, Belen also expressed gratitude for the warm reception she’s received from fans in her first PVL stint.

“I didn’t expect such a warm welcome. Since I’m new to the PVL, it means a lot,” she said. “Honestly, across all teams, the fans here are just incredibly supportive.”

With the win, the Solar Spikers improved to 1-1, moving into third place in Pool A. They aim to build on the momentum when they face the Farm Fresh Foxies on Tuesday, October 21, again at the Smart Araneta Coliseum.

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