CAPITAL1’s two succeeding draft selections after Bella Belen both have ties with the first overall pick.
READ: Capital1 explains decision to replace coach Gorayeb with de Brito
The Solar Spikers’ second round pick in University of Santo Tomas middle blocker Pia Abbu was once Belen and National U’s championship rival back in UAAP Season 86, one won by the latter.
But it is Capital1’s third-round pick who has a rather awe-inspiring connection with the three-time UAAP MVP.
Among the more obscure names in the 57-strong player pool was Ivy Lhyn Aquino, middle blocker-slash-outside hitter from the Asian Institute of Maritime Studies in Pasay who was drafted 24th by Capital1.
Aquino isn’t a former teammate hers from NU-Nazareth or anything to that extent.
Instead, she’s one of Bella’s childhood pals who’d go to her house and play volleyball together as a mere hobby and weekend habit of sorts.
“Before nung high school pa ako, nakakasama ko na si Bella,” Aquino said.
“Alam ko na sobrang gifted and talented niya talaga. I look forward na makasama ulit siya sa loob ng court at the same time na nasa pro na kami.
While she’s unsure if Bella still remembers her, what Ivy Lhyn is certain of is that the National U and Alas Pilipinas standout has always been a quirky and uplifting presence on the court.
“Sobrang kulit [ni Bella]. Sana maalala niya pa ako. I hope maalala niya ako kasi pumupunta rin siya sa bahay after ng games namin,” Aquino said.
“Sobrang masaya siyang kasama and at the same time di siya mabigat sa loob ng court. Sobrang uplifting niya and I look forward ulit talaga [na makasama siya].”
Lights will guide her home
Having the stars align for her and Belen to reunite is already a surreal thought for Aquino.
But the mere fact that she caught a PVL team’s attention despite not hailing from a UAAP or NCAA school has been nothing short of overwhelming and inspiring for her.
“At first it was very difficult talaga kasi iba yung kailangan namin na mindset kasi wala kami sa UAAP, wala kami sa NCAA. ‘Di kami kilalang team and yung mga nakakalaban namin, ‘di ganun kalalakas din,” Aquino admitted.
“Pero sa sarili mo talaga, kung gusto mo, maabot mo eh. Kailangang ipu-push mo lang ang sarili mo palagi and kunin mong inspirasyon ang family mo at mga taong naniniwala sa’yo.”
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