National University's Bella Belen. UAAP Media

MANILA, Philippines – National University (NU) captain Bella Belen shared her side why University of the Philippines (UP) went on to upset the defending champions, 24-26, 25-23, 25-17, 23-25, 12-15, on Wednesday in the UAAP Season 87 women's volleyball tournament in Filoil EcoOil Centre in San Juan.

Belen said the loss was a combination of UP's good game, Nina Ytang's impressive performance, and her own team's lapses. She asserted that there were areas that the Lady Bulldogs' "could have done better."

"Medyo okay na po kami kasi napag-usapan naman na po namin kung ano 'yung nangyari sa game. UP did a really good job today, lalo na si (Nina) Ytang. Ang ganda ng performance niya," said Belen.

Ytang pulled off a 30-point outing built on 27 attacks and three blocks to go with four digs -- most by any middle blocker since NU legend Jaja Santiago's 30 in Season 79.

READ: UAAP: Ytang fires 30 as UP deals NU its first loss in Season 87

"Sa team namin, siguro may mas maganda pa kami dapat na ginawa. Meron sigurong pagkukulang sa part namin and at the same time, nasabayan ng magandang laro ng UP. Nagkahalo-halo’t nagkagulo-gulo."

Belen admitted that this defeat struck the Lady Bulldogs' hearts, although she believes that they could have ultimately won.

"Masakit and nakaka-sad kasi 'yun nga, napag-usapan namin kanina na hindi dapat kami natatalo nang gan'to-gan'to, 'yung basta-basta. Dapat nilaban pa namin kasi feeling ko, kaya namin eh. Kaya naming manalo," she said.

READ: Bella Belen’s motivation as she leads MVP race? Leaving a legacy in NU, UAAP

Moreover, Belen said that lapses are being taken care of as they look forward to bouncing back this season.

"Napag-usapan na namin kung ano 'yung mga dapat naming adjustments sa game na ‘to," Belen said.

READ: UAAP: Ytang's hard work and faith pay off as UP stuns NU

The NU skipper said they will do better in training, as it would reflect their performance in games.

"Siguro mas magiging masipag kami sa training. I always believe na sa training talaga nagsisimula lahat. Kung ano 'yung ginagawa mo sa training, 'yun 'yung magagawa mo sa laro. Kung makalat ka sa training, for sure, ganun ka rin sa laro."

Belen did her part for the Lady Bulldogs, listing 21 points on 16 attacks, five services aces to go with 13 excellent digs and 12 excellent receptions.

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