Chery Tiggo main libero Jen Nierva admits that going up against one of this generation’s most efficient attackers is no easy task.

What more against someone with the caliber she knows very well?

Nierva is still in awe watching long-time high school, college and national squad teammate Bella Belen do her thing — only this time they’re on the opposite side of the court.

The two National University products crossed paths for the first time in their volleyball career in a tightly-contested battle in the second phase of the 2025 Premier Volleyball League (PVL) Reinforced Conference on Tuesday night at the Filoil EcoOil Centre in San Juan.

Nierva and the EV Crossovers pulled off a well-deserved 27-25, 23-25, 25-12, 22-25, 15-13, victory over Capital1, bannered by top rookie Belen.

It was a different yet memorable experience for Nierva, who shared four high school and one college titles with Belen during their heydays with NU.

“I was happy because today is my first game playing against Bella,” the comely defense specialist said following a 24-dig and 17-excellent reception outing. 

“It’s just a different angle to see her on the other side of the court. We’re both used to playing with one another, helping each other. I also get to witness how she leads her team. I’m happy for her.”

The EV Crossovers improved to a 2-4 mark in Pool D to keep their quarterfinals hopes alive. It wasn’t easy for Chery Tiggo, especially for Nierva, though, protecting the floor against Belen’s aggressive attacking.    

The top overall pick in the recent Draft dropped 22 points, 19 coming off kills, and added nine digs in another all-around performance.

Belen’s production backed the 34 points of Ukrainian import Oleksandra Bytsenko, but not enough to save the Solar Spikers from slipping to a 3-3 slate.

“I want to commend her. She’s one of the best spikers out there, especially here in our country. As you can see, I had a hard time, but again, it’s a team sport,” Nierva said.

The libero, familiar with Belen’s style of play, did her best to counter her former teammate’s assault by showcasing her defensive prowess.

“I heard one of my coaches say, ‘Jen, we need you.’ That’s a big thing for me, hearing that they need me in the game, even if the opposing team’s getting their attacks and scoring against me. At the end of the day, what’s important is that we play as a team.”