Belen plays coy on national team, NU future after UAAP title

MANILA, Philippines — Newly crowned UAAP champion and Most Valuable Player Bella Belen is focusing on the moment amid the uncertainty of her future endeavors after helping the NU Lady Bulldogs win the Season 86 title Wednesday night.

Shortly after Belen and company completed their redemption run via a two-game sweep of the UST Golden Tigresses, there were already many opportunities opening for Belen — the national team and the pro ranks.

Also a two-time MVP, Belen said that it was still up in the air on whether or not she and NU teammate Alyssa Solomon will see action for Alas Pilipinas in the upcoming 2024 AVC Challenge Cup.

“'Di ko pa po alam, kasi alam ko si Ate Aly may checkup for yung injury niya before. Then siguro titignan namin,” Belen said after winning the cup on Wednesday. 

“Magre-report muna [kami] sa school, then siguro enjoy muna namin yung championship for saglitan,” she added.

The NU star hitter also avoided any direct answers on whether or not she’ll be exhausting her remaining years of eligibility with the Lady Bulldogs.

She’s already played three full seasons with NU — two of which resulted in championships.

“Pwede po, gusto ko rin naman po,” Belen said on the possibility of returning for Season 87. 

“Gusto rin naman kasi sino ba naman pong hindi gugustuhing makasama yung talagang palaban na team, talagang hard work ng NU. Kaya sobrang saya ko na sila yung nakasama ko throughout my career.”

Time will only tell if Belen will suit up for Alas Pilipinas or the Lady Bulldogs, but with her caliber, the wing spiker will surely be impactful wherever she takes her services.