Capital1 star Bella Belen. PVL Media Bureau
MANILA (UPDATED) — Capital1 immediately showcased the potential of its retooled roster.
The Solar Spikers came out firing in their first game of the 2026 Premier Volleyball League (PVL) All-Filipino Conference, bucking a Set 3 loss en route to a 25-17, 25-16, 15-25, 25-19 win on Tuesday at the Filoil Centre in San Juan.
Bella Belen willed the team to a comeback win in Set 4, after the Thunderbelles unleashed a 10-1 run that installed a 17-13 Zus Coffee lead.
The Jorge de Brito-mentored squad fired a counterpunch with a solid 9-0 run, restoring order for a 22-17 edge — four of those points coming from Belen.
The 23-year-old rookie then went for the kill, scoring on an off-the-block hit and a crosscourt shot to put Capital1 on match point, 24-19, and Chinnie Arroyo's attack error marked the winning start for the Solar Spikers.
"Inisip ko na lang kung paano pa ako makakapag-contribute pa sa team, since may chance na kaming maipanalo yung game," said the 2025 PVL Draft top pick, reflecting on her Set 4 heroics.
READ: PVL: Capital1 acquires 8 new players in massive team overhaul
The National U legend finished with a game-high 26 points on 24 attacks and two aces, to go along with 16 excellent digs and seven excellent receptions.
"'Yun lang 'yung inisip ko — kung ano pa 'yung pwede kong gawin kasi 'yung teammates ko ginagawa nila 'yung trabaho nila, and kailangan ko rin gawin 'yung trabaho ko as a player," added Belen.
Shaya Adorador, Ysa Jimenez, and Ponggay Gaston were there as supporting cast, registering 14, 13, and 10 points respectively.
The Solar Spikers lost in the blocking department, 4-8, with Thea Gagate anchoring the Zus Coffee net defense, but the Solar Spikers won overwhelmingly in attacks, 63-45.
Meanwhile, Gagate, also a first overall pick of the PVL Draft in 2024, had five blocks totaling 15 points to pace the losing side, while Riza Nogales had 12 points, including three swats.