Bella Belen proved to be a game-changer for Capital1 after finally being unleashed in her delayed debut season in the Premier Volleyball League (PVL).
Fully settled into her new home, the Alas Pilipinas standout instantly emerged as the Solar Spikers’ primary offensive weapon in both the mid-season Reinforced Conference and the season-ending All-Filipino Conference.
Her stellar performance earned her the Rookie of the Year honor in the 2nd Pilipinas Live PVL Press Corps Awards Night set on May 30 at Novotel Manila Araneta City in Cubao, Quezon City.
The top overall pick out of National University received 69 media votes and 26 team votes on top of her 91.284 statistical points (SPs) for a total of 186.284 points to clinch the recognition in the annual awarding rites supported by Immuni+ and Rebisco.
Belen, a three-time UAAP champion and MVP, bested fellow members of the 2025 Draft class AC Miner (85 points), Jean Asis (83.896), and Riza Nogales (64.479).
The 23-year-old spiker showcased her scoring prowess in the all-local tournament, finishing third overall in scoring in the preliminary round with 218 points while posting a 35.16-percent spiking success rate. She also displayed her defensive capabilities after placing second in reception with a 40.84-percent efficiency rate.
Belen will also headline the Mythical Team during the formal awards night, which celebrates the season’s finest players in the league organized by Sports Vision.
She is likewise set to receive the Best Outside Spiker award after topping the polls with 91.284 SPs, along with 45 media votes and 33.4 team votes.
PLDT’s Savi Davison will also be recognized as Best Outside Spiker after collecting 89.252 SPs, along with 44.4 media votes and 19.4 team votes.
Also set to be honored are Cignal’s Gel Cayuna as Best Setter with 95.039 SPs, 64.2 media votes, and 36.4 team votes; PLDT’s Kath Arado as Best Libero with 91.267 SPs alongside 64.2 media votes and 29.4 team votes; while the Best Middle Blocker honors will go to Creamline’s Pangs Panaga (78.63 SPs, 58.5 media votes, and 28.8 team votes) and PLDT’s Majoy Baron (78.229 SPs, 47.4 media votes, and 22.2 team votes).
Trisha Tubu completes the elite squad as Best Opposite Spiker after leading the Farm Fresh Foxies to a historic fourth-place finish in the 2026 All-Filipino Conference. She amassed a total of 108.868 SPs, backed by 63 media votes and 36.4 team votes.
