HELP is on the way for Alas Pilipinas as Bella Belen returns to training with the nationals two days before their 2024 FIVB Women’s Volleyball Challenger Cup knockout quarterfinal against Vietnam at the Ninoy Aquino Stadium.
The two-time and reigning UAAP MVP joined her National University teammates in the Lady Bulldogs’ five-day trip to Korea to celebrate their Season 86 women’s volleyball championship last May — their second out of the last three tournaments.
READ: Cherry Nunag new Alas libero as Jema returns to natural position
Doubts were cast on Belen’s availability for Alas in the Challenger Cup as NU’s pre-scheduled Korea trip coincided with the final week of the nationals’ preparations before their July 5 tournament opener.
But as per head coach Jorge Souza de Brito, it’s all systems go for the Alas debut of the Lady Bulldogs star.
“(Bella Belen) is already here. We have training later,” de Brito told SPIN.ph on Wednesday afternoon.
Belen a 'welcome return' amid Alas personnel problem
Belen was among five new additions to the national team shortly after Alas’ historic bronze medal run on home soil in the 2024 AVC Challenge Cup last June.
Also among the new entrants were her NU teammate Alyssa Solomon, University of the East rookie ace Casiey Dongallo, and Creamline’s champion-MVP duo Jema Galanza and Tots Carlos.
Injury-related reasons saw Carlos and Dongallo step back from what was once an expanded 19-player Philippine pool.
Solomon, who continues to nurse minor injuries from their UAAP title romp, has begged off from the Challenger Cup, with Chery Tiggo pair and Alas mainstays Eya Laure and Jen Nierva both unlikely to play as well.
Nierva's expected absence also led to middle blocker Cherry Nunag being listed as the team's second libero alongside Dawn Macandili-Catindig.
Hence, Belen’s inclusion will be a much-needed boost to a depleted and embattled Alas side in the face of fierce opposition in the reigning AVC Challenge Cup champion Vietnam.
Only the winner of the Challenger Cup will secure the last coveted spot for the 2025 Volleyball Nations League (VNL).
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