Belen sustains MVP-level run, powers Solar Spikers past Titans in thriller

Games on Thursday

4 p.m. – Akari vs PLDT

6:30 p.m. – Nxled vs Galeries Tower

In a match defined by lopsided sets, Capital1 proved steadier when it mattered most, outlasting Choco Mucho in a gripping decider, 25-21, 18-25, 25-18, 19-25, 15-10, to snap its skid in the Premier Volleyball League All-Filipino Conference at the packed FilOil Playtime Centre in San Juan Tuesday.

When the fifth set tightened into a nerve-wracking duel, the Solar Spikers showed the composure that had eluded them in recent outings. They weathered five deadlocks and four lead changes before seizing control for good, capitalizing on the Flying Titans’ crucial errors in the stretch to seal the 2-hour, 18-minute triumph.

At the heart of it all was Bella Belen.

In a contest of swings and surges, it was Capital1 that stood firm when the pressure peaked – and Belen, remarkably composed beyond her years, once again rose to the moment.

Battling cramps in set 4, the young star regrouped and returned with renewed force in the decider, delivering another all-around masterpiece. The three-time UAAP MVP erupted for a career-high 29 points, surpassing her previous 28-point effort against PLDT, and stretched her streak of 20-plus outputs to four straight games – a remarkable run for a rising pro still in the early chapters of her career.

But Belen’s impact went far beyond scoring. The former National U standout anchored Capital1’s floor defense with 15 excellent digs, underscoring her two-way value and maturity under pressure.

“I’m really happy we were able to pull this off,” said Belen in Filipino. “But this win wasn’t because of just one person. We trusted each other and worked together. We truly fought for every point.”

She stressed that it was Capital1’s collective resolve that carried the team back from consecutive losses to Nxled and PLDT to even its record at 2-2.

“We really wanted this one, especially coming off two straight losses,” she added. “All the hard work we put in during training paid off. We’re hoping to build on this and win more games moving forward.”

The decisive frame showcased both Capital1’s poise and Choco Mucho’s unraveling. Fresh from a lengthy rest due to cramps, Belen shattered the final 6-all count with consecutive hits, including a clutch cut shot that gave the Solar Spikers an 8-6 edge at the changeover.

Though she misfired on the next rally, she quickly redeemed herself with back-to-back conversions as Capital1 built a three-point cushion it would not surrender.

Choco Mucho threatened behind Kat Tolentino, who returned from her own cramps to slice the deficit to 10-12 with a crosscourt hit. But the Flying Titans faltered at critical junctures. A service error by Deanna Wong handed Capital1 breathing room, and consecutive miscues down the stretch – including an attack that sailed long and a failed challenge on a supposed block touch – effectively sealed their fate.

Ezra Madrigal’s timely denial of Sisi Rondina pushed Capital1 to match point, and video review on Caitlyn Viray’s strong swing upheld the final call, affirming the Solar Spikers’ hard-earned victory to the delight of their supporters.

While Belen once again delivered MVP-caliber numbers, Capital1’s win was built on balance and discipline. No other Solar Spiker reached double figures, but Shaya Adorador and Madrigal chipped in seven points apiece, Ysa Jimenez and Pauline Gaston added six each, and France Ronquillo and Leila Cruz supplied timely contributions that proved vital in the end.

For Choco Mucho, it was another heartbreaking defeat. The Flying Titans, still missing Eya Laure, nearly compensated for her absence behind Rondina’s 22 points, Tolentino’s 19, and Des Cheng’s 15. But after sweeping Akari to open their campaign, they absorbed their third straight loss – undone this time by late-set errors and Capital1’s steadier nerves.