MANILA, Philippines — Bella Belen brought out her brilliance in service, unleashing seven aces to power National University past Far Eastern University in a five-set thriller in the UAAP Season 87 women’s volleyball tournament.

Belen came within an ace away from tying her league record and finished with 21 points including 13 spikes and a block to backstop Alyssa Solomon’s 23-point explosion in NU’s come-from-behind 25-15, 23-25, 24-26, 25-23, 15-8 win over FEU on Sunday at Mall of Asia Arena.

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The two-time UAAP MVP set the record in her rookie year in Season 84 two years ago, equalizing former Ateneo star Dzi Gervacio — now the FEU volleyball program head.

LIVE: UAAP Season 87 volleyball February 23 – UP vs Ateneo, NU vs FEU

“I think it starts with our training. We always remind ourselves that no matter who serves, the goal is just to get the ball in however we can,” said Belen.

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“We’re not aiming to score directly from our serves because the more we push for points, the more errors we make. That’s what we noticed in our team today. As for me, especially in close games, as long as I can get the ball in, I know it will make things harder for the other team. I’ll do whatever helps make our job easier,” she added.

Belen was subbed out late fourth set as coach Sherwin Meneses wanted to give her a breather and get a different perspective from the game.

She returned and helped Solomon win the fourth and force a decider, where she scored her seventh ace to keep FEU at bay.

READ: UAAP: Bella Belen eyes last title shot with NU Lady Bulldogs

“So Bella could see what FEU was doing. Actually, we were a bit lucky because when she came back in, our run started. We only took her out for a very short rest. We were just lucky that the timing of that substitution worked out,” said Meneses.

The graduating outside spiker knew that the Lady Tamaraws were tough opponents as the same core forced them to a do-or-die Final Four game last year before winning the Season 86 crown.

“FEU is really a tough competitor. Just like us, their team is still intact—most of the players from last season are still there. Everyone has the same goal: to be champions,” Belen said.

“Every team wants to fight, and that’s exactly what FEU showed today—they gave it their all. We did the same. We just applied everything we studied over the past few days, sticking to our game strategy.”

Belen and the Lady Bulldogs gun for their fourth win against the winless University of the East Lady Warriors on Saturday next week at the same venue.