Capital1 escapes

Belen sparkles with 29 pts

MANILA, Philippines — Bella Belen came to the rescue of Capital1 once again yesterday as the Solar Spikers pulled off a come-from-behind 20-25, 25-17, 22-25, 25-20, 15-8 victory over a pesky ZUS Coffee for their second win in a row in the PVL All-Filipino Conference Pulse Series at the Mall of Asia Arena.

It was another spectacular effort for Belen, who unleashed a 29-point effort while presiding over the Milka and Mandy Romero-owned franchise’s defense with four blocks, 16 digs and 15 excellent receptions.

It came less than a week after she dropped a career 35-point explosion that she laced with 20 digs and 19 receptions in another five-set escape over Akari.

Belen bailed the Solar Spikers out in that duel.

Interestingly, all three of Capital1’s matches ended via the full, five-set route including a heartbreaking defeat in the Cebu opener last Oct. 10.

“It’s another comeback,” said Capital1 coach Jorge de Brito.

Capital1’s emergence was largely behind Belen showing up and taking charge.

“I’m very grateful, of course, that Bella was able to hold our ground while I’m still trying to find my rhythm, role in the team but Bella is ever reliable so we’re very grateful to have her,” said Capital1 setter Julia Coronel, who split time with battle-rested Jasmine Nabor.

Coronel, who moved to the team after her Galeries Tower contract expired, has been a welcome sight for the Solar Spikers.

The former La Salle star said there is still room for improvement in her game and vowed to learn on the fly.

“So far, I think I’ve seen so much progress with our connection (with Belen), we always communicate, we’re being patient with our connection and we both know it’s a process and we can’t force it,” she said.

The Thunderbelles dropped to 0-2.