NU star Belen cops third MVP plum

MANILA, Philippines — Bella Belen is joining an elite company in the UAAP women’s division.

The National University ace has been named the UAAP Season 87 women’s volleyball Most Valuable Player — the third of her career.

Belen thus joined Ateneo’s Alyssa Valdez and Far Eastern University’s Ailyn Ege as the only three-time MVPs in the women’s division.

The 22-year-old stalwart, who was the first-ever UAAP rookie-MVP, tallied 96.226 statistical points for the defending champions. This is almost 22 points higher than the second-placer, Adamson Lady Falcon Shaina Nitura, who had 74.259 SPs.

Belen, who earlier said she is already playing in her final season, showcased her two-way prowess throughout the year.

She finished fourth in scoring with 246 points, while she had the best efficiency in the league with a 37.76% success rate. She also topped the service category with 30 aces.

The Lady Bulldogs star also ranked eighth in blocking with 0.46 per set and ninth in spiking with 34.65% success rate.

After being awarded, Belen thanked God, her family and teammates for the support.

She also promised that the title will not be leaving Sampaloc.

Additionally, Belen earned her third Best Outside Spiker award with 381 ranking points, along with La Salle’s Angel Canino, who had 250 RP.

Nitura, for her part, had a historic season as she scored 371 points for Adamson. She smashed the previous record of 314 points made by Valdez.

La Salle’s Amie Provido, who had 179 RP, was crowned Best Middle Blocker of the season, while University of the Philippines’ Nina Ytang is the Second Best Middle Blocker with 166 RP.

Lady Spiker Shevana Laput was awarded Best Opposite Spiker with 275 RP, which is 86 points higher than UST’s Regina Jurado, who had 189.

NU’s Lams Lamina was likewise named Best Setter, while La Salle’s Lyka de Leon was awarded Best Libero.

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