(UPDATE) WHAT was expected to be a cakewalk for the NU Lady Bulldogs turned out to be a nip-and-tuck battle against an upset-seeking Ateneo Blue Eagles.

NU managed to survive in five sets 25-17, 24-26, 26-28, 25-19, 15-7 and picked up its first win in the UAAP Season 86 women's volleyball tournament at the Mall of Asia Arena on Saturday, February 24.

Thanks to Bella Belen, the Rookie of the Year and Most Valuable Player two seasons ago, the Lady Bulldogs dodged the upset axe to improve to 1-1.

Belen made sure NU wouldn't crack under pressure after being down two sets to one and during the fifth set, where she scored a bulk of her total 21 points.

The 21-year-old spiker said she had to set an example and be the rock of the team amid the gallant stand from the opposition.

"During the fifth set my mindset, as an 'Ate' (elder sister) of the team, was to show them (my teammates) how it's done, how we were going to win the set," said Belen, who also starred on floor defense with 24 excellent digs and 10 receptions.

"[I told myself that] they can't see any sign of fear from me and I have to show the team that I trust them as well and that we're capable of getting the job done. From there, they're going to follow suit and it worked well for us in the fifth set."

Belen's composure was certainly not lost on Lady Bulldogs head coach Norman Miguel, who said he's proud of her player's maturity in handling pressure.

"When I was talking to Belle, [she told me that] it's important for her to not give in because she's the heart of this team, everybody's looking up to her," said Miguel.

"I know the pressure is there for her but since she's mature she's able to handle it. I'm proud of her despite the fact that she acts goofy a lot of times."

With still a long way to go, Belen said that the Lady Bulldogs, who are yet to look like the title-contending team that they were the past two seasons, need to work on their lapses especially that all teams are vying for the goal that they want.

Read The Rest at :