Bella Belen celebrate NU Lady Bulldogs’ latest–and her last-UAAP women’s volleyball title. –MARLO CUETO/INQUIRER.net
MANILA, Philippines —As promised, Bella Belen is leaving National University with a new crown on her head.
Belen finished her UAAP career as a three-time MVP after NU completed a series sweep of La Salle to complete a title repeat in Season 87 in front of 18,514 fans on Wednesday at Mall of Asia Arena.
An emotional Bella Belen credits NU’s success to their strong bond from high school to college. #UAAPSeason87 @INQUIRERSports pic.twitter.com/es6kNQrggt
— Lance Agcaoili (@LanceAgcaoilINQ) May 14, 2025
“Honestly, I’m overwhelmed. I feel everything—happiness, sadness, excitement—all at once,” said Belen after the 25-19, 25-18, 25-19 Game 2 win where she finished18 points, 11 digs, and eight excellent receptions.
READ: UAAP: Degree earned, Bella Belen also has crown within her reach
“I’m super happy we achieved our goal this season. It wasn’t easy. We had losses and there were times we doubted if we were doing things right. But through hard work and perseverance, we made it.”
Belen joins Monica Aleta and Alyssa Valdez as the only players to win three UAAP MVPs. She made history as the league’s first Rookie-MVP in Season 84, leading NU to its first title in 65 years. After a finals loss to La Salle in Season 85, she helped complete NU’s redemption tour last season against University of Santo Tomas.
NU Lady Bulldogs’ Bella Belen. –MARLO CUETO/INQUIRER.net
Belen hopes her journey will inspire not just future Lady Bulldogs, but other student-athletes as well.
“Nothing is impossible. Everything can be earned through hard work and patience. Not every athlete is born great. You just have to be determined and believe in yourself. I’m really happy because my hard work paid off. I hope that can inspire the younger generation too, that anything is possible,” said Belen.
While the next step is pro volleyball, Belen said she wants to savor NU’s title repeat before deciding her future.
“For now, I’m not sure yet. We’re going to celebrate this win first, and then titignan po natin kung ano ang susunod na kabanata ni Bella.,” she said.
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