Chery Tiggo's Jen Nierva and Capital1's Bella Belen. PVL Media Bureau
MANILA — As they faced each other for the first time, Chery Tiggo's main libero Jen Nierva admitted she had a hard time defending Capital1 star rookie and former National University (NU) teammate Bella Belen.
Nierva and Belen were teammates in National University during Seasons 85 and 86, where they won a UAAP title and had a runner-up finish together, respectively.
She was in awe of her former teammate's attacking and leadership on the other side for Capital1, calling her as "one of the best spikers" — not just in the Premier Volleyball League (PVL), but in the Philippines as well.
Nierva and the Crossovers outlasted Belen and company, 27-25, 23-25, 25-12, 22-25, 15-13, to regain their winning ways in the 2025 Reinforced Conference on Tuesday at the FilOil EcoOil Centre in San Juan.
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"I want to commend her. She's 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," said Nierva.
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More than the NU nest, they are also teammates in Alas Pilipinas Women, bannering the flag and taking the Lady Bulldogs pride on the international stage.
"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're both used to playing with one another, helping each other," said Nierva.
"Nakita ko rin siya kung paano siya mag-lead sa kabila. Nakakatuwa," she added.
The match was somewhat a showdown between them, as Nierva led Crossovers' defense with 24 excellent digs and 17 excellent receptions, while Belen had 22 points on 19 attacks and three blocks.