From collegiate rivals to national team standouts, De La Salle University’s Angel Canino and National University’s Bella Belen, long-time adversaries in UAAP women’s volleyball, have now teamed up under the national flag with Alas Pilipinas.
Despite their collaboration, Alas Pilipinas fell to Vietnam in the 2024 FIVB Women’s Volleyball Challenger Cup, losing 14-25, 22-25, 21-25 on Friday at the Ninoy Aquino Stadium.
Nonetheless, both UAAP stars cherished the experience of playing together.
“Very happy kasi nakasama ko na si Angel sa national team. Siyempre, kalaban ko siya ng UAAP, ngayon magka-teammate na kami,” Belen expressed. “I think magiging maganda yung connection namin pag nag-training pa nang matagal at kaya pa namin i-bring out ‘yung best sa aming dalawa.”
Canino shared her enthusiasm for teaming up with the National University star.
“Actually, nakakatuwa kasi sabi ko nga na mas pipiliin ko pang maging teammate si Bella kaysa kalaban,” Canino said.
“Sa tinagal-tagal ko rin pong ginustong maka-teammate si ate Bella, I’m very happy na naging teammate ko siya right now,” added the AVC Best Opposite Spiker.
Their partnership is expected to continue, as captain Jia de Guzman emphasized the need for roster continuity for future tournaments.