BY ABBY TORALBA
NATIONAL University ace spiker Bella Belen has nothing but praises for UAAP 85th women’s volleyball tournament Rookie of the Year and MVP winner Angel Canino of newly-minted champion La Salle.
Belen, the Rookie-MVP winner in the league’s 84th season, lauded Canino for the accolades she received, the results of her all-around performance, along with her passion and resilience.
“Deserved naman po talaga niya (ni Angel) iyong award (rookie MVP). Iyong ipinakita niya this season is sobrang ganda from defense to offense, makikita naman po natin na talagang nag-trabaho siya,” Belen said.
“Iyong passion niya nandoon naman talaga. Iyon, very proud (ako) sa kanya kasi nakasama ko na po siya before. I know na grabe rin po iyong sipag ni Angel kaya siguro nakuha niya rin po iyong mga awards na iyon,” she added.
Canino amassed 89.37 statistical points in the MVP derby, while Belen placed fourth with 79.80 SPs.
The 5-foot-10 hitter, aside from her Rookie-MVP plums, also bagged the Second Best Outside Hitter of the season award behind teammate Jolina Dela Cruz.
Belen also shrugged off “bad blood” claims between her and Canino, following their exchange of antics on the court, and reiterated that they are good pals.
“I think iyong mga gumagawa lang po (ng issue) is iyong mga fans. Kasi iyong (antics sa) game, part naman po siya ng game so parang iniisip nila magka-away pero sa labas naman po ng game magkakaibigan naman po talaga kami,” Belen said.
