MANILA — Bella Belen admitted Saturday that there were "regrets" after their straight-set loss to Creamline in the 2026 Premier Volleyball League (PVL) All-Filipino Conference.
There were moments in the game where the Solar Spikers were in the driver's seat, but could not capitalize on it.
In Set 2, Capital1 appeared poised to take the frame after installing a 23-17 cushion. However, Jema Galanza rallied the Cool Smashers to an 8-1 run that snatched the frame.
During the final period, the Solar Spikers led early, 13-9, but they could not hold on as Creamline got back to its veteran senses to nail its third win in a row, 25-18, 26-24, 25-20.
READ: PVL: Jema Galanza shines as Creamline fends off Capital1
"Maraming panghihinayang this game na sana mas inayos pa namin 'yung galaw namin," admitted Belen, who posted 26 points in the loss — the only Solar Spiker in twin-digit scoring.
"Siguro sa part namin, kailangan meron kaming, 'yun nga sabi ng coaches, accountability sa mga ginagawa namin. Kasi ayun, sayang," the Capital1 prized rookie also said.
Still, Belen was proud to see the fight, although she acknowledged that Creamline's experience prevailed this time.
"Merong mga glimpse na lumaban kami against Creamline. Kasi hindi po sila madaling kalaban. Siyempre nagkaroon na sila ng maraming experiences, established na rin 'yung connection nila sa isa’t isa," the 20-year-old star spiker said.
"So I’m very happy din naman na kahit papaano, merong glimpse na lumaban 'yung team. Pero hindi kasi siya sapat," she also said.
This marked Belen's first-ever encounter against the powerhouse squad.