Bella Belen, NU volleyball boost training with PVL powerhouse Creamline

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As NU bids to retain the UAAP women’s volleyball crown, the Lady Bulldogs get help from the dynastic Creamline Cool Smashers of the PVL

MANILA, Philippines – As the NU Lady Bulldogs prepare for what could be the final collegiate season of reigning Most Valuable Player Bella Belen, the team aims to pull out all the stops for a possible repeat.

Now under the tutelage of Sherwin Meneses, who also coaches the dynastic Creamline Cool Smashers in the Premier Volleyball League, the two champions have started to train together in the hopes of mastering the coach’s system.

“As of now, I think we have been preparing well in training,” Belen told reporters during the league’s press conference on Thursday, February 13.

“We’ve had recent tuneups with some pro teams, and even sometimes, a joint training with Creamline,” she said.

“It’s a huge thing for us since we can see [in Creamline] what coach Sherwin’s system is all about, and see what we could adapt.”

Admittedly starstruck with the level of play of a team that features Alyssa Valdez, Bea de Leon, Jema Galanza, and Tots Carlos, Belen hopes the Lady Bulldogs can replicate the success of the Cool Smashers.

In 2024, Creamline became the first team in PVL history to complete a Grand Slam, sweeping all three conference championships.

Much like Creamline, NU has the privilege of continuity, with many players suiting up together since their high school days at NU Nazareth School.

“I’m excited to play my final year with NU, we want to go back-to-back since we weren’t able to do that [in Season 85], so it’s now a different mindset since it is harder to defend a title rather than win it,” said Belen, a two-time MVP.

“We should be ready for the challenge any team could pose, and at the same time, how we handle our own emotions,” she continued.

With NU as the overwhelming favorites, and with no major disruptions in its lineup, Belen knows there’s no reason for them to flounder this time. 

And hopefully, by then, Creamline’s winning consistency have also rubbed off. – Rappler.com

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