NU’s Aishat Bello in UAAP Season 87 women’s volleyball tournament second round.–UAAP PHOTO
MANILA, Philippines — Aishat Bello proved her worth for National University by helping the defending champions regain their winning ways in the UAAP Season 87 women’s volleyball tournament.
Stepping up in the absence of Alyssa Solomon due to a left ankle sprain, Bello made the most of her extended playing time and delivered nine points as NU’s main opposite spiker to make quick work of the also-ran University of the East, 25-8, 25-22, 25-12, on Wednesday at Philsports Arena.
“I’m so happy. All thanks to my coaches and teammates for trusting me even though [opposite hitter] is not my position but I’ve been here for a long time now and trying to put in my effort. I’m happy to show what I am [capable of],” said Bello.
READ: UAAP: NU bounces back, crushes UE in women’s volleyball
Aishat Bello after stepping up for NU sans Alyssa Solomon. #UAAPSeason87 @INQUIRERSports pic.twitter.com/4IPqknCEBR
— Lance Agcaoili (@LanceAgcaoilINQ) April 9, 2025
The second-year Nigerian student-athlete was converted from middle blocker to opposite spiker this season.
Bello was thrilled to finally get her break, proving she’s ready to step up when her number gets called.
“It’s kind of hard but like my teammates always say, it’s all about mindset. Even though I don’t have playing time, behind here, I still play and practice. It does not matter if I play here because everybody cannot play at the same time. For me, I put as much effort as I can during practice,” she said.
Besides Bello, rookie Celine Marsh was also instrumental with seven points and five excellent receptions, only seeing action in the second set.
Bella Belen and setter Lams Lamina were happy for the whole Lady Bulldogs stepping up, following a disappointing four-set loss to Adamson last Sunday, as they move to the cusp of a twice-to-beat advantage with a 10-2 record.
SCHEDULE: UAAP Season 86 volleyball second round
“Our team doesn’t really create star players. We want everyone who plays in the game to contribute. And now, it’s showing because it really starts in training with everyone performing well. Even the players on the bench are challenging the starters. So, I’m really happy that they got the chance to show what they can do,” said Belen in Filipino after delivering 15 points, 13 digs, and eight excellent receptions.
“Coach Sherwin always tells them that once they get the opportunity, they need to grab it because those chances don’t come often. And as for the older players, we’ll be leaving soon. So this is like a stepping stone for them, and when the older ones are gone, they’ll be ready to handle the pressure.”
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“I’m so happy because everyone scored and contributed. I’m also happy because, in terms of offense, I was able to help and make things easier for them,” said Lamina, who had 18 excellent sets.
NU seeks to claim the twice-to-beat bonus against Ateneo on Sunday at Smart Araneta Coliseum before the Holy Week break.
