Rookie-MVPs clash in women’s volleyball final showdown of UAAP S87

National University’s (NU) Bella Belen and De La Salle University’s Angel Canino — the undisputed best collegiate players in today — star in a blockbuster bill for not only individual supremacy but lasting legacy for their respective schools.

The super senior Ms. Belen wants no less than an explosive exit with her second straight championship and third overall while the third-year Ms. Canino seeks a second one starting on Sunday for Game 1 of the best-of-three titular showdown at Ms. Belen is eyeing the team prize for NU in its fourth straight finals more than her individual glory that could propel her to the Mt. Rushmore of UAAP history.

Aside from a possible hat trick of championships, Ms. Belen is poised to win her second straight MVP and third overall to tie the legend Alyssa Valdez for the most in the UAAP women’s volleyball ever.

She started her reign by becoming the first-ever Rookie-MVP in Season 84 when the NU Lady Bulldogs completed a 16-0 sweep highlighted by a win against La Salle in the finals to end a 65-year title drought.

Ms. Belen then bowed to Ms. Canino, the second Rookie-MVP in Season 85, and La Salle before a redemption against University of Santo Tomas in Season 86.

Another win this season would cement Ms. Belen’s place in the list of the greatest UAAP players ever and would leave a dynasty intact in NU under new coach Sherwin Meneses.

But she is not keen on getting ahead.

It may be the third installment of the NU-La Salle modern day rivalry but Ms. Canino was still in high school during their first meeting and for her, only one thing matters and it’s the La Salle legacy under mentor Ramil de Jesus.

Mmess. Belen and Canino take the spotlight but Mr. De Jesus, in his 21^st finals with 12 titles, and seven-time PVL champion but first-year NU mentor Mr. Meneses also offer interesting stories starting in the much-awaited Game 1. — John Bryan Ulanday