Bella Belen has never been one to settle for good enough.
Even after producing the finest scoring performance of her professional career, the Capital1 star was already looking for ways to become better.
That relentless pursuit of improvement was on full display Thursday night, when Belen erupted for a career-high 35 points to rescue the Solar Spikers from a potential second consecutive loss in the 2026 Premier Volleyball League All-Filipino Conference Siklab series.
With Capital1 pushed to the limit by Akari, Belen delivered when it mattered most, helping the Solar Spikers escape with a thrilling 28-26, 22-25, 25-15, 23-25, 21-19 victory at the Ynares Center in Antipolo.
The former National University standout was virtually unstoppable on offense, finishing with 34 attacks and a block. Yet her contributions went far beyond putting the ball away, as she also recorded 20 excellent digs and 19 excellent receptions to fuel Capital1 on both ends of the floor.
For Belen, however, the milestone was not a reason to be complacent. Instead, it served as another reminder that even her best performances leave room for growth.
“Siguro, sa mindset ko na rin as a player, kasi every time maglalaro ako with my team, lagi kong iniisip kung paano ko mai-improve ’yung game ko. So, ganoon naman palagi,” said the top overall pick of the 2025 PVL Draft.
Belen had scored 15 points in Capital1’s season-opening five-set defeat to Choco Mucho, making her explosive follow-up an encouraging response as the Solar Spikers continue to find their footing in the new conference.
“Maganda ’yung naging performance ko, pero I believe meron pa ring instances sa game na dapat kong ginawa pero ’di ko nagawa,” she said. “Lagi ko lang tinitingnan kung meron pa akong kayang i-improve.”
She was also quick to acknowledge that her career night was a collective effort, crediting the confidence and support of her coaches and teammates for allowing her to deliver under pressure.
That support proved especially important as Belen continued to play through a right wrist injury, with her hand heavily taped throughout the contest.
Capital1 head coach Jorge Souza de Brito was understandably impressed by his star player's production, but he saw something equally valuable in the way Belen handled the game's most demanding moments.
For the Brazilian mentor, her growing leadership has become just as significant as her scoring prowess. Rather than carrying the team through individual brilliance alone, Belen has helped her teammates stay composed and trust one another when the match hangs in the balance.
“It's amazing. It's something that we respect, but we also expect the team to support her. She didn't do it all alone, but what she did was amazing,” De Brito said.
“What's important is that she played four sets without taking a break. She also played most of the final sets in the last match.”
The coach also praised Belen's demeanor on the court, emphasizing how her presence has helped strengthen the team's confidence in its system and in one another.
“It's not just about the score or the points, but also her behavior on the court, leading the team and helping everyone trust not only her but also the system and each other,” he added.
For Belen, that responsibility extends beyond individual achievements. With Capital1 bringing in additional talent to reinforce its roster, she is determined to help the franchise turn its potential into tangible results.
The Solar Spikers failed to reach the playoffs in the previous conference, a disappointment that continues to motivate Belen as she looks to help the team establish itself among the league's contenders.
“Ang lagi ko namang pinanghuhugutan is kung ano ’yung nakamit namin last conference. Last conference, ’di kami nakapasok sa playoffs. So parang this conference, mas maraming dumagdag na skillful players,” she said.
The added talent has given Belen renewed optimism about what Capital1 can accomplish, with the team gradually building its chemistry and confidence through every game and training session.
“So, I feel like we have a chance na maging mas maganda pa ’yung performance namin compared last conference. I believe maganda naman pinapakita ng team, game-by-game, training-by-training,” she added.
