Bella Belen’s Steadfast Confidence Helps Alas Pilipinas Secure Silver at SEA V Cup Leg 2

MANILA, Philippines — Despite recent setbacks, Bella Belen remained confident in Alas Pilipinas’ ability to overcome challenges, a belief that proved crucial in their performance at the SEA V Cup Leg 2 in Chiang Mai, Thailand. The team faced a tense moment in the fourth set against Indonesia, who held multiple set points, threatening to derail the match. However, Belen, alongside teammates Alyssa Solomon, Eya Laure, and Fifi Sharma, rallied to push the contest to a dramatic finish. Sharma’s significant block on Ersandrina Devega brought Alas to match point at 32-31 before an attack error ended the set.

Alas Pilipinas ultimately triumphed over Indonesia with a 25-13, 23-25, 25-19, 33-31 victory, securing a silver medal—their best finish in the tournament to date. This win was particularly meaningful as it avenged their earlier loss to Indonesia in Leg 1, which had ended their four-year streak of bronze medals and left them winless in Hanoi, Vietnam.

Belen, who scored 17 points in the final match, has been a reliable scorer and defender throughout the tournament. She expressed satisfaction with the team’s preparation and resilience, emphasizing her unwavering belief in their capacity to win. She acknowledged the pressure of the match but highlighted the team’s focus and determination to close out the game early once they had taken the lead.

The PVL Rookie of the Year, who hails from Capital1 and is a three-time UAAP MVP from National University, also praised the enthusiastic support from Thai fans during the three-day event. She noted that the crowd’s encouragement made the team feel as if they were playing on home soil, which boosted their morale and performance.

Looking ahead, Alas Pilipinas will return home to continue their training and preparations for the Asian Games in Japan, scheduled to begin in September. The team’s recent success in Thailand serves as a positive momentum builder as they aim to compete on a larger international stage.

Belen’s leadership and steady play throughout the SEA V Cup Leg 2 underscored her importance to the team’s dynamics. Her ability to maintain composure under pressure and inspire confidence among her teammates was instrumental in turning around their fortunes after a difficult first leg.

The silver medal finish marks a significant rebound for Alas Pilipinas, demonstrating their capacity to learn from previous defeats and improve rapidly. Their victory over Indonesia, a team that had previously ended their medal streak, signals a renewed competitive edge as they prepare for upcoming challenges.