Belen’s MVP title icing on cake

MANILA, Philippines — Bella Belen further stamped her stature as the country’s best collegiate volleyball player today, winning the MVP plum as National U completed a three-peat in the Shakey’s Super League Collegiate Pre-Season Championship.

Just months after winning her second MVP award in the UAAP, Belen added another crown to her growing trophy case by towing NU to 23-25, 25-18, 25-16, 25-20 win over rival La Salle in Game 2 to complete a finals sweep over the weekend at the Smart Araneta Coliseum.

Belen followed the back-to-back MVP citations of Alyssa Solomon in the Lady Bulldogs’ first two championships via sweep.

NU at one point had a 28-game winning run but La Salle snapped it in the elimination round this season before the Lady Bulldogs gained a sweet revenge in the biggest stage.

Belen, the UAAP Rookie-MVP in Season 84, was also hailed as the Best Outside Spiker with Solomon clinching the Best Opposite Spiker for the third straight year.

Other awardees included Angge Poyos (2nd Best Outside Spiker) of fourth-placer Santo Tomas, Amie Provido (1st Best Middle Blocker) of runner-up La Salle, Jaz Ellarina (2nd Best Middle Blocker) of bronze medalist Far Eastern U, NU’s Shaira Jardio (Best Libero) and Lams Lamina (Best Setter).

Now, the Lady Bulldogs shift their focus to a title repeat bid in the UAAP with celebrated mentor Sherwin Meneses at helm and who did not disappoint in his NU debut tourney.

Meanwhile, EJ Laure is bringing her act to the Nxled Chameleons.

The team has officially announced the acquisition of the power-hitting 27-year-old spiker, whose last stint was with the Chery Tiggo Crossovers.

Intriguingly, she may make her debut against her former team tonight.

While Laure had already secured a contract, her younger sister, Eya, however, has remained without one allegedly due to contract issues.