Bella Belen knows what it takes for the NU Lady Bulldogs to reclaim the UAAP crown this Season 86.
National University is just one win away from securing an undefeated run in the second round of the UAAP Season 86 women's volleyball tournament.
That's after the Lady Bulldogs made quick work of Adamson University in straight sets, 25-16, 25-14, 25-18, at the PhilSports Arena in Pasig on Saturday, April 20.
Alyssa Solomon and Bella Belen led the way for NU with 14 points apiece.
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But even as they head into their final game of the elimination round with all the momentum on their side, Belen wants the Lady Bulldogs to remain focused on their ultimate goal—winning the championship.
"Hindi natatapos 'yung trabaho namin hangga't hindi pa tapos 'yung season. Kahit wala pa kaming talo this second round, hindi kami nagsto-stop kasi hindi naman 'yun 'yung goal lang namin," Belen said during the post-game press conference.
"Isa lang siya dun sa goal namin para maabot 'yung main goal namin. Siguro kailangan namin maging consistent pa lalo pabigat nang pabigat 'yung mga kalaban namin," she added.
Having experienced the highs and lows since her rookie season in Season 84, Belen knows what it will take for NU to finally reclaim the UAAP crown.
"For me, lalo na ngayon na patapos na, ang natutunan ko lang nung Season 84 and 85 na dapat kung kailan patapos na 'yung laro, dun kami mas lalong nagaganahan mag-laro, nagaganahan manalo, and 'yung hunger namin na gustohin namin 'yung bawat laro na ipanalo," said Belen.
"Katulad ngayon, wala pa kaming talo, so dapat hindi kami maging kampante na hindi kami matatalo. Dapat 'yung eagerness namin to win nandun pa rin," the Season 84 Rookie-MVP emphasized.
NU will look to go 7-0 in the second round as the Lady Bulldogs face the also-streaking Far Eastern University at the Smart Araneta Coliseum in Cubao at 4:00 p.m. on Wednesday, April 24.