Bella Belen, Roma Mae Doromal earn praise despite Philippines' loss to Vietnam in SEA VLeague

The young Philippine squad composed of collegiate athletes competing in the Southeast Asian VLeague debuted on a loss against first-leg host Vietnam on Friday night, 15-25, 25-19, 21-25, 9-25.

Despite that, fans heaped adulations for the upcoming stars of the country as they showcased their wares on the international stage. NU Lady Bulldogs top gun Bella Belen and Ateneo Blue Eagles libero Roma Mae Doromal got the most praise from the group.

"Hindi na pang-UAAP si Bella sa totoo lang. Sobrang husay," X (formerly Twitter) user @lezzgoNationalU said.

Hindi na pang-UAAP si Bella sa totoo lang. Sobrang husay 😭

— Madam Butterfly (@lezzgoNationalU) August 4, 2023

One fan claimed that Bellen would be the next face of Philippine volleyball.

Bella Belen is really a gift to Philippine VolleyBall sya nakikita kung magiging next na mukha ng volleyball #SeaVLeague

— JulyDayrylle SGx2NE1xKGE💚?? (@dayryllejuly) August 4, 2023

Meanwhile, explicit words were spoken because of this perfect receive from Doromal.

Ganda pota, alabyu @romamaedoromal pic.twitter.com/WscTZXoJoA

— kage ? (@Kageyamatee) August 4, 2023

A fire emoji perfectly describes Doromal's floor defense.

the defense of roma mae doromal🔥💙

— obsessed kay bdl (@itsmebeadel) August 4, 2023

Fans are optimistic that the Philippine team will bounce back today, although they face an adamant opposition later at 5 p.m. against Thailand. The game is live on One Sports and the Pilipinas Live app.

Go lang team PHI! Inilaban niyo nakita namin. Bawi bukas!

#SEAVLeague2023

— Bella Belen Apologist (@ReynaBulldog) August 4, 2023