The NU Lady Bulldogs made sure to support Bella Belen amid her rare off game during the team's straight-set victory over the Ateneo Blue Eagles in the UAAP Season 86 women's volleyball tournament.
It's no secret that the NU Lady Bulldogs have relied on Bella Belen to lead the team to victories in the UAAP Season 86 women's volleyball tournament.
But during their match against Ateneo de Manila University, Belen turned to her teammates for support as she finished with a career-low two points in the victory. Belen though, contributed on the defensive-end with nine excellent digs and five excellent receptions.
Still, the rest of the Lady Bulldogs know how important Bella's contributions were in the dominant win over the Blue Eagles.
"Actually, kahit ganun 'yung points ni Bella marami namang nai-ambag sa team lalo sa pasa and sa defense tapos sa serve din kanina nag-bago siya ng serve. Sa non-scoring, nandun siya palagi, maasahan mo siya talagang mag-aambag," Alyssa Solomon, who finished with 23 big points, said during the post-game press conference.
Speaking to reporters after the match, the Season 84 Rookie-MVP admitted feeling some discomfort on her lower back, which could have contributed to her subpar game.
Knowing this, Belen made sure to contribute in any way she can, still managing to help NU win its fourth-straight game for a 9-2 record.
"Sa game ko kanina, naisip ko kasi na hindi dapat rason kung may masakit man sakin o wala. Dapat maka-isip ako ng paraan na kung saan ko kaya mag-contribute. Kung hindi ko man kaya gumawa sa atake, I think dun ako babawi sa defense side," said Belen.
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With the support she received from her teammates throughout the match, Belen felt at ease in doing her job on the defensive end.
"Kaming team talagang nagsasaluhan kami. Katulad kanina sa game alam nila nahihirapan ako dun sa attack part, lagi lang sinasabi lalo si ate Aly [Solomon] sabi niya na, 'Kaya mo 'yan, Belle, naka-support lang kami dito," said Belen.
"Nung nakita ko na maganda 'yung performance ng bawa't isa lalo si ate Aly, kahit hindi man maganda 'yung performance ko, for me, maganda na ring tulong sa team kasi nakikita ko na umaangat bawat isa sa amin lalo na at patapos na 'yung elimination [round]," she added.
[ALSO READ: 'Kailangan ko mag-step up hindi lang sa attacks': Bella Belen gets real on mounting triple-doubles in UAAP Season 86]
Belen will look to recover from her minor injury and help the Lady Bulldogs in their quest of ending their five-game losing streak against De La Salle University as they face off on Sunday, April 14 at the Mall of Asia Arena in Pasay at 4:00 p.m.