Capital1 trio benefits from chemistry being built at Alas camp

Bella Belen (left) is eager to soar with the Solar Spikers. —PVL IMAGES

Bella Belen is excited for Capital1’s future, as she and Premier Volleyball League MVPs Vanie Gandler and Erika Santos have started forming a strong connection while serving national cause for Alas Pilipinas.

Capital1 may have lost its two preseason games, capped by a 20-25, 25-19, 22-25, 25-12, 15-10 defeat to Farm Fresh in the PVL on Tour’s Victorias City stop on Saturday, but Belen believes the best is yet to come.

“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 former Rookie of the Year and Capital1 newcomers Santos and Gandler missed the On Tour as they continue to train with the Alas squad that is preparing for the Asian Games next month.

A three-time UAAP MVP out of National University, Belen relishes the chance of building their teamwork as a trio while with the national team, which earned a historic silver in the second leg of the SEA V Cup a few weeks back.

“I think that will be a big help because I’ve already played with [Gandler and Santos],” she 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 has more time to prepare ahead of the PVL All-Filipino Conference starting in October when the league celebrates its 10th year.

Belen puts a premium on team chemistry with several newcomers joining their team after landing Santos and Gandler from defunct Cignal, tabbing free agent setter Jaja Maraguinot while drafting Detdet Pepito second overall and Khy Cepada in the second round.

“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.”

Belen is also happy with the growing fan base of the team, which they witnessed when the Ilonggos gave them a warm welcome in Negros Occidental.

“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. INQ