National University dominated in the third week of the University Athletic Association of the Philippines Season 86 volleyball tournaments — with both of their men’s and women’s teams sweeping their pair of games in that span — with Bella Belen and Jade Disquitado leading the way.
Belen was vital in the Norman Miguel-mentored team’s victories, putting up 19 points, 19 digs, and 11 excellent receptions against Far Eastern University, and 11 markers, 10 digs, and five receptions against the University of the East.
These numbers prompted Belen to earn the Collegiate Press Corps’ UAAP Player of the Week award presented by San Miguel Corporation for the period 4 to 10 March, but what made her even happier was how her teammates also stood out in their triumphs.
“We’re really happy kasi nakita namin na lahat is kayang mag contribute sa team,” said the Season 84 Most Valuable Players and Rookie of the Year, whose squad just won five straight games.
“Our team is not built around star players. We want everybody to play well, nobody will be left behind.”
Belen bested De La Salle University star Angel Canino, University of Santo Tomas prized rookie Angge Poyos, and FEU standout Gerz Petallo for the weekly honor deliberated by the college scribes who regularly cover the beat, and is supported by minor sponsors Discovery Suites and Jockey.
Meanwhile, Disquitado was just as indispensable as Belen in the Bulldogs’ own five-game winning streak.
The 2023 Spikers’ Turf Invitational Conference Finals MVP shone in NU’s win against FEU last Wednesday, handing out a career-best 29-point game as well as 23 receptions. He followed it up with 15 markers, four receptions, and two digs against UE on Sunday.
The 5-foot-11 outside hitter, however, deflected all the credit to his coach Dante Alinsunirin and his fellow Bulldogs.
“I’m happy because of my good performance, but I’m just following the system of Coach Dante (Alinsunurin) and my teammates,” said Disquitado, who received the men’s Player of the Week Honors over teammate Owa Retamar, La Salle’s Vince Maglinao, and Ateneo de Manila University’s Jian Salarzon.
Still, Alinsunurin hailed the growth and performance of his young star both on and off the taraflex.
“In terms of skills, his receiving and floor defense have improved,” Alinsunurin said.
“But it’s not just on the court because he is so determined and persistent during training. He is now focused. I hope his progress will continue.”
