“Our growth doesn’t stop here”: Bella Belen eyes improvement after Capital1’s PVL exit

The Capital1 Solar Spikers saw their 2026 Premier Volleyball League All-Filipino Conference campaign come to a heartbreaking end on Tuesday, March 24, at the hands of ninth-seed Galeries Tower Highrisers. The loss marked a disappointing finish for a team that showed flashes of brilliance but ultimately fell short in a must-win clash.

Among the Spikers, Bella Belen stood out as the team’s driving force. The 23-year-old outside hitter delivered a stellar performance, nearly carrying her squad to victory with 21 points, 12 digs, and nine excellent receptions. However, her 20-of-71 attempts highlighted the team’s reliance on a single scorer and underscored the need for a more balanced offensive approach.

In a post-match press conference, Belen admitted the defeat was painful but emphasized that it provided valuable lessons for both herself and her teammates.

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“It’s really disappointing because I feel like we could have won. I feel like I could have done more to help the team. But we learned a lot this conference. Lessons we really need to absorb so we can come back stronger next time,” Belen said.

‘SIYEMPRE NAKAKALUNGKOT KASI PARANG KAYA NAMAN SANA NAMIN’ ☀️

Capital1 super rookie Bella Belen speaks on the Solar Spikers’ exit, reflecting on what they could have done better against Galeries and throughout the #PVL2026 All-Filipino Conference. @ABSCBNNews pic.twitter.com/ANSEYHRvzo

— Kennedy Caacbay (@kennedyzcaacbay) March 24, 2026

She added, “I was actually looking forward to our next game on Saturday, but we just weren’t able to make it. For now, we regroup, reset, and go back to training. Our growth as a team and as players doesn’t stop here.”

Belen’s individual campaign was nothing short of impressive. She scored 20 or more points in 10 games and finished as the top scorer of the preliminary round with 218 points from 199 kills, alongside eight blocks and 11 aces. Her consistency and resilience throughout the conference have firmly established her as one of the league’s rising stars.

Reflecting on her own development and the team’s potential, Belen remains focused on improvement.

“I’m never really satisfied. Every game, every conference, I feel like I have to raise my standard, not for others, but for myself. Like in this game, I know I could have done more. So from here, I will look at what else I can improve for the next conference and the next tournament with Capital1.

“For me, that’s really how I am when it’s a tough situation—I feel like I can step up. But it would be better if the whole team can do that together. Coach Jorge De Brito told us earlier that it’s really a mental game, having courage and heart. I think that’s something we still lack, maybe because we don’t have that much experience yet as a team or as players. But I believe we will get there, where no matter who’s on the court, anyone can score and contribute,” she concluded.

While the Capital1 Solar Spikers’ campaign ended sooner than they hoped, Bella Belen’s breakout performance provides a bright spot for the team’s future. Her leadership, consistency, and determination set the tone for the next chapter of the franchise. With lessons learned and a renewed focus on teamwork and mental toughness, Belen and the Solar Spikers are poised to come back stronger, aiming for a deeper run in the upcoming PVL conferences.

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