“One of the best spikers in the country”: Jen Nierva lavishes praise on former NU teammate Bella Belen

The highly anticipated clash between the Chery Tiggo Crossovers and the Capital1 Solar Spikers on Tuesday, November 11, at the FilOil EcoOil Arena saw two former National University (NU) Lady Bulldogs superstars, Bella Belén and Jen Nierva, face off for the first time in their professional volleyball careers.

In a thrilling five-set battle, Nierva and her Chery Tiggo teammates came out on top, securing a hard-fought victory over Belén’s Capital1 Solar Spikers, 27-25, 23-25, 25-12, 22-25, 15-13. Nierva played a pivotal role in the Crossovers’ defense, finishing with 24 excellent digs and 17 receptions, while Belén led the Solar Spikers’ offense with a standout performance of 22 points and nine digs.

Despite the defeat, Nierva was quick to praise her former collegiate teammate, calling Belén “one of the best spikers” in the Philippines.

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“I want to commend her. She is one of the best spikers out there, especially here in our country. As you can see, I had a hard time, but again, it’s a team sport,” Nierva said in the post-match press conference.

Chery Tiggo EV Crossovers’ Jen Nierva shared that she enjoyed facing her former teammate, Capital1 Solar Spikers’ Bella Belen, for the first time as professionals during their matchup in the 2025 PVL Reinforced Conference. | via Jamie Velasco/One Sports#OSOnTheSpot #PVL2025 pic.twitter.com/sHt8IRfq61

— One Sports (@OneSportsPHL) November 11, 2025

The 26-year-old also shared that facing off against Belén was a challenge, but the support from Chery Tiggo’s coaching staff kept her focused and motivated throughout the match.

“I heard one of my coaches say, ‘Jen, kailangan ka namin.’ Ang laking bagay niya for me hindi ako pwedeng mawala sa game, even if napapaluan ako, naso-score-an ako. At the end of the day, importante kung paano ‘yung team maglalaro. It’s just one point,” she added.

Both Nierva and Belén were key players during their time at NU, leading the Lady Bulldogs to immense success, including a historic Season 84 championship in the University Athletic Association of the Philippines (UAAP), where they secured their first title in 65 years with a perfect 16-0 record.

“I was happy because today is my first game playing against Bella. It’s just a different angle to see na nasa kabilang court siya. We are both used to playing with one another, helping each other. Nakita ko rin siya kung paano siya mag-lead sa kabila. Nakakatuwa,” Nierva reflected on the matchup against her longtime teammate.

The victory was crucial for Chery Tiggo, as it marked only their second win of the Reinforced Conference. The Crossovers now sit in ninth place in the standings, while Capital1 remains in fifth with a 3-3 record.

As both teams continue to battle for positioning, the match between the two former NU teammates highlighted the growing rivalry between the squads and the individual brilliance of Nierva and Belén, each continuing to shine in their professional careers.

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