Bella Belen expects Capital1 to improve ahead of the PVL All-Filipino Conference as she builds chemistry with fellow Alas Pilipinas players Vanie Gandler and Erika Santos.
Capital1 dropped its two preseason games in the PVL on Tour, including a 20-25, 25-19, 22-25, 25-12, 15-10 loss to Farm Fresh in Victorias City on Saturday.
Belen, however, said the team’s preseason results do not reflect its potential once Gandler and Santos join the squad.
The two PVL Most Valuable Players missed the On Tour as they continued training with Alas Pilipinas for next month’s Asian Games.
“We haven’t been able to visit their training that much because we’ve been busy with Alas and the league just recently ended,” Belen said in Filipino.
The three players have had an opportunity to build their connection while training with the national team. Alas Pilipinas recently won a historic silver medal in the second leg of the SEA V Cup.
“I think that will be a big help because I’ve already played with [Gandler and Santos],” Belen said. “I already know how they play and what they’re like outside the court. I’m excited to see what they can bring to the team, and at the same time, what we can learn from them.”
Capital1 added several players during the offseason after acquiring Gandler and Santos from the defunct Cignal team. The club also signed free-agent setter Jaja Maraguinot and selected libero Detdet Pepito second overall and Khy Cepada in the second round of the draft.
Belen, a three-time UAAP MVP from National University, said Capital1 must focus on developing its chemistry before the All-Filipino Conference starts in October.
“One of the things we need to improve on is our chemistry. Just because we have talented players doesn’t mean everything will be easy,” Belen said. “We still have to [work hard] and take it one day at a time, get to know each other and learn how to play together as a team.”
The PVL will celebrate its 10th year when the All-Filipino Conference begins.
Belen also welcomed the growing support for Capital1 after fans in Negros Occidental gave the team a warm reception during the On Tour.
“Of course, I’m really happy because I didn’t expect Capital1’s fanbase to grow this much. I hope they continue to support us, especially in the upcoming season,” Belen said.
