By NIKOLE JAVIER
Bella Belen of National University and Josh Ybañez of University of Santo Tomas joined an elite club after clinching the Most Valuable Player for the second time in the UAAP Season 86 women’s and men’s volleyball tournaments on Wednesday, May 15.
The high-flying outside hitters topped the individual honors following brilliant performances in their respective divisions that saw them steer their squads to the Finals.
After missing out on the award last season which she first won during her sensational rookie ndebut in Season 84, the 21-year-old spiker reclaimed the MVP title after amassing 82.2 statistical points.
Belen, who is in her third year, demonstrated consistency throughout the elimination round as the Lady Bulldogs’ best offensive and defensive player.
The 5-foot-7 stalwart ranked seventh in scoring in the league with 205 points, accumulated from 179 attacks, 15 blocks, and 11 aces.
She stood as the sixth most efficient spiker at 36.53%, the eighth best server at 0.22 per set, the sixth best digger at 2.3 per set,and the second best receiver with a 48.3% efficiency rate.
Belen led the Lady Bulldogs to a 12-2 elimination round record for the top seed that earned them the first twice-to-beat advantage.
UST rookie Angge Poyos finished a close second with 76.964 SPs.
Still, the season was a special one for Poyos after bagging the Rookie of the Year award.
Poyos ranked as the second-best scorer in the league with 290 points from 249 attacks, 23 aces and 18 blocks. She emerged as the third most efficient spiker at 40.75% and the best server at 0.41 aces/set.
For the second consecutive season, Josh Ybanez of UST has been recognized as the top student-athlete in the UAAP men’s volleyball tournament.
The 5-foot-7 spiker from General Santos City was bestowed with the Season 86 MVP award following similarly superb showing in his rookie year.
Ybanez, a sophomore, garnered 89.643 statistical points, securing a decisive victory for the top individual honor in the league.
