National University star Bella Belen in UAAP Season 87 women’s volleyball. Photo from UAAP Media/Neo Garcia.

MANILA — National University is one step closer to defending its UAAP women's volleyball crown.

After Sunday's games, the Lady Bulldogs have officially clinched a twice-to-beat advantage in the Season 87 Final 4 much like last year, and this puts them in a good position to retain the championship in Jhocson Street.

READ: National U sweeps Ateneo to lock in twice-to-beat incentive in Final 4

However, National U is far from reaching its goal, as the reigning champions are yet to get to the level that they set for themselves -- according to team captain Bella Belen.

"Hindi naman po kami hihinto kahit nakuha na namin yung twice-to-beat," said the two-time champion and Most Valuable Player after they swept Ateneo de Manila University on Sunday.

"Kailangan pa naming i-pulido yung mga lapses namin, at yung mga unnecessary errors, kaya pa naming i-work yun," added Belen, who scattered 16 points, 13 receptions, and 10 digs against the Blue Eagles.

Season 87 has been as close to spotless as it could get for the Sherwin Meneses-coached squad.

After replacing former mentor Norman Miguel with Meneses shortly before the start of the season, the Lady Bulldogs showed no signs of slowing down. They have already defeated all their competitors at least once, with NU currently boasting 11 wins in 13 appearances.

However, even with their present record, Belen said that their current campaign has been some of the most challenging ones for NU.

"Last year po kasi, humahabol kami ng crown. Ngayon po, mahirap mag defend, so ngayon, yung pressure nasa amin," she said.

But what helped the Lady Bulldogs relieve some of the load that comes with being the defending champs? It was actually their shocking losses to University of the Philippines and Adamson University, said the Alas Pilipinas ace.

"Siguro, blessing in disguise na rin na natalo kami, kasi nag loosen up yung bawat isa sa amin," pointed out Belen. "Talagang tinanggap namin yung bawat pagkatalo, and sinabi namin na dapat ‘di na siya maulit."

In addition, also among the main factors of the Lady Bulldogs' impressive run is how their graduating seniors — which Belen is a part of — are really playing each game like it is their last for NU.

"Siguro rin, mas special siya ngayon kasi yung seniors, mga graduating na, so it might be our last na," said Belen, who has already expressed that this season will be her final year donning NU's Blue and Gold.