National University star Bella Belen in the UAAP Season 87 women’s volleyball Final 4 against Far Eastern University. Photo from UAAP Media.MANILA — National University main gunner Bella Belen is set to compete in what is expected to be her last-ever UAAP Finals.

The 5-foot-8 star — who already expressed that Season 87 would be her final year in the collegiate ranks — is set to enter her fourth-straight appearance on the championship stage as they eliminated Far Eastern University in the Season 87 Final 4.

READ: National U completes reverse sweep vs. FEU to punch Finals ticket

Belen displayed her all-around prowess anew, scattering 24 points, 14 digs, and 10 receptions as they completed a hard-earned reverse sweep vs. the fourth-seeded Lady Tamaraws on Saturday at the Araneta Coliseum.

She will now be looking to exit National U on top of the UAAP scene, which is why Belen vows to leave it all on the taraflex for the Jhocson-based squad

“Gagawin ko yung best ko for the team para makamit yung goal namin which is yung back-to-back,” Belen told a few reporters before exiting the Big Dome. 

“Hindi siya magiging madali, so kailangan talaga yung best ko. Lagi ko namang sinasabi na kung hanggang saan yung kaya kong gawin, yun yung ibibigay ko,” she added.

A two-time UAAP champion and Most Valuable Player (MVP), Belen has a 2-1 record in the championship round.

Belen made a splash in her rookie year by helping NU clinch the Season 84 championship at De La Salle University’s expense, and they reached the Finals anew in Season 85 albeit falling short that time around.

Through her heroics, the Lady Bulldogs then went on to complete redemption in Season 86 by sweeping University of Santo Tomas.

And while NU is favored again in the upcoming Season 87 Finals, Belen emphasized the importance of keeping herself and her teammates in check for NU to complete the repeat.

“Andito na kami, so kailangan naming ilaban,” she insisted. “So ang challenge ngayon is kung paano namin ima-manage yung emotions namin as a team, and as players.”

The Lady Bulldogs are still currently waiting for the victor between La Salle and UST, but Belen is not wasting any time to prepare for their upcoming Finals series against either of the two squads.

“Wala pa po kaming kalaban, so papanoorin po namin yung game nila,” she pointed out. “Pero kahit sino man yung makalaban namin sa Finals, I believe na ready naman yung team.”

“Kailangan lang naming maging consistent,” added Belen.

While a rematch with UST means playing against her best friend Detdet Pepito — another last for the graduating ace — Belen maintained that she is not choosing a particular team to face in the Finals.