National University star Bella Belen in their UAAP Season 87 clash vs. De La Salle University. Photo from UAAP Media.MANILA — National University star Bella Belen is the UAAP women’s volleyball Most Valuable Player (MVP) frontrunner once again.
Already a two-time winner of the league’s top individual plum, Belen, after Round 1, was the UAAP’s best player in their division anew after putting up 159.600 Statistical Points (SPs).
She followed this with a 23-point performance vs. De La Salle University on Sunday, and Belen’s numbers contributed to the win that allowed them to post their eighth straight victory in as many games.
Despite being primed for her third MVP award, however, Belen emphasized that her priority is winning another title for National U.
READ: National U ace Bella Belen on pace to win third MVP award after Round 1
READ: National U takes care of business against La Salle for 8th straight win
“Yung awards, nasa tabi lang yan,” said Belen, who also had 17 receptions and seven digs. “Ako, kailangan ko lang gawin kung ano yung kaya ko ma-contribute sa team.”
“’Di ko siya magagawa without the team,” she added. “Bonus lang yan. Kailangan lang naming mag sumikap, kasi hindi naman yan yung goal namin this season.”
But aside from another glory for the Jhocson Street-based hitters, other goals also motivate Belen.
One is setting an example for the remaining Lady Bulldogs, as Belen is in her final year with NU.
“Medyo nag-mature na ako compared noong rookie year ko,” said Belen, who was also Season 84 Rookie of the Year. “Dati, pwede pa akong mag jolly-jolly. Ngayon, isa na ako sa seniors, so iniisip ko kung ano yung pwede kong iwan pag alis ko sa NU na pwede nilang makuha.”
In addition to this, the two-time champion also wants to set a certain level of talent and skills for the present and future stars of the league.
“Ako kasi, gusto ko laging tinataas yung level ng paglalaro ko,” she emphasized. “Maraming mga bago at mga bata na pumapasok sa UAAP, so ako dapat, itaas ko pa yung level ko.
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