PVL Reinforced: Bella Belen Finally Tastes That Sweet First Professional Win

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by Misha Cruz 

Capital1 star Bella Belen.
Capital1 star Bella Belen. Photo: PVL Images.

For years, Bella Belen has known nothing but the high of victory, from dominating the high school scene with the NU Lady Bullpups to ruling the UAAP with the Lady Bulldogs. 

Eight championships later (yes, eight!), she’s practically volleyball royalty. But even with all those medals and MVP moments, nothing quite compares to this, her first-ever professional win in the Premier Volleyball League.

After a rough debut loss to PLDT, Belen and the Capital1 Solar Spikers came back with fire, defeating Nxled in four thrilling sets, 25-20, 23-25, 27-25, 25-12, at the Smart Araneta Coliseum. And for the 21-year-old phenom, it was a win she’ll never forget.

“Siguro ‘yung feeling, ‘yung gaano kasaya manalo dito sa pro,” Belen said, her smile matching the energy of the crowd that celebrated her milestone moment.

Bella Belen (right) goes up for a spike against Nxled.
Bella Belen (right) goes up for a spike against Nxled. Photo: PVL Images.

The No. 1 overall pick of the 2025 PVL Draft put up 15 points and showcased her all-around brilliance with 14 excellent digs out of 22 attempts, proving she’s not just here to score, she’s here to lead.

Of course, she had major help from Ukrainian import Sasha Bytsenko, who went full beast mode with 39 points to power Capital1’s first win of the season.

Now standing at 1-1 in Pool A, Belen hopes this is just the start of something bigger. “Mas mahe-help ako na maging mas disiplinado pa… para magkaroon pa kami ng mga susunod na panalo. Para hindi lang isang beses namin ma-feel,” she said.

From UAAP champion to pro rookie, Bella’s journey is just beginning, and if this win is any indication, the Solar Spikers might just be warming up.