Romwel Anzures

Former National University star and three-time UAAP MVP Bella Belen. UAAP Media.

Article (news)

ABS-CBN News

<div><img src="https://od2-image-api.abs-cbn.com/prod/editorImage/1778398468420UAAP 88 WVB F4 UST vs. NU- Bella Belen-1730.jpeg" style="width:960px" class="fr-fic fr-dib" width="960"/>Former National University star and three-time UAAP MVP Bella Belen. UAAP Media.MANILA — Bella Belen could only watch from the sidelines as National University’s three-peat hopes came to an end while De La Salle University completed its redemption run in UAAP Season 88 women’s volleyball.</div>After the three-time league MVP forwent her final year of eligibility to turn professional, the Lady Bulldogs endured several hurdles just to return to the Finals, while the Lady Spikers swept their way to their 13th championship.Belen, however, offered no excuses, saying La Salle was simply unbeatable this year.<div><a class="fr-green fr-strong" href="https://www.abs-cbn.com/sports/volleyball/2026/5/9/la-salle-completes-season-88-sweep-dominates-nu-to-reclaim-uaap-crown-1838">READ: La Salle completes Season 88 sweep, dominates NU to reclaim UAAP crown</a></div>“Kudos sa La Salle, talagang very dominating sila,” Belen told ABS-CBN News as the Lady Spikers celebrated inside the Mall of Asia Arena.Two of Belen’s three UAAP championships came at the expense of La Salle. The Capital1 Solar Spikers star capped off her Rookie of the Year-MVP campaign in Season 84 with a title and also concluded her collegiate career with another championship in Season 87.But while the Lady Bulldogs may have lost their edge against the Lady Spikers, Belen remains optimistic about the program’s direction, saying the NU women’s volleyball team is still on the right track.“Kahit na talo, I’m very proud of them. Nakita ko na nilaban nila this season,” she said.Belen also shared how tough losses are important in shaping a team’s culture, having gone through a similar setback herself during her second UAAP season.“I believe na kailangan nilang pagdaanan yung mga ganitong sitwasyon para maramdaman nila yung feeling matalo lalo na sa Finals,” she said. “So hopefully, next year, talagang makabawi yung NU.”“Kung ano man yung natapos nila, hopefully, next season, mas umangat pa yung laro nila,” added the NU lifer.

Bella Belen could only watch from the sidelines as National University’s three-peat hopes came to an end while De La Salle University completed its redemption run in #UAAPSeason88 women’s volleyball.

Bella Belen could only watch from the sidelines as National University’s three-peat hopes came to an end while De La Salle University completed its redemption run in #UAAPSeason88 women’s volleyball.

UAAP: Bella Belen tips hat to La Salle — ‘Talagang dominating sila’

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Volleyball

UAAP: Bella Belen tips hat to La Salle — ‘Talagang dominating sila’

Rom Anzures,

ABS-CBN News

Published May 10, 2026 03:44 PM PHT

Read More:

Volleyball

UAAP

ABSSports

UAAP Season 88

UAAP Volleyball

UAAP Finals

De La Salle Lady Spikers

NU Lady Bulldogs

Bella Belen

Angel Canino

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