Belen's advice to Nitura: 'Don't pressure yourself too much'

MANILA, Philippines — Don't pressure yourself too much.

This is the advice of NU Lady Bulldogs star and reigning MVP Bella Belen to Adamson Lady Falcons super rookie Shaina Nitura in the UAAP Season 87 women's volleyball tournament.

"She's still a rookie, so I don't think she needs to put too much pressure on herself," said Belen, the Season 84 ROTY and MVP whose Bulldogs rose to 5-0 after defeating the UP Fighting Maroons, 25-13, 25-23, 25-22, at the Mall of Asia Arena on Sunday.

Belen and the Bulldogs played less than 24 hours after Nitura and the Lady Falcons fell to the FEU Lady Tamaraws, 25-23, 15-25, 13-25, 10-25, and to their second straight loss for a 2-3 slate, fifth in the team standings.

Nitura, who is also Adamson's team captain, did all she could to will the Lady Falcons with 24 points, 13 receptions, and nine digs.

Visibly frustrated, a video of her also went viral scolding her teammates during a timeout, urging them to show some fight.

"She's young, and it's her first time in the UAAP collegiate league. There's a lot she can still learn from it because college is very different from high school—it's a huge jump," said Belen.

"In college, all the teams are competitive, especially the crowds—they really get into it, and that adds to the pressure. She just needs to not be too hard on herself. Volleyball is a team effort, and Adamson is a strong team, so she should trust that they have what it takes. She just needs to stay relaxed and not pressure herself too much."

Belen's Lady Bulldogs and Nitura's Lady Falcons square off on Wednesday.