For the first time since their high school and college days, AC Miner and Lyann De Guzman faced off on opposite sides of the court — a rare sight for two players who practically grew up in the same program.
While the reunion came with its share of emotions, there was little room for nostalgia once the match began. Both Miner and De Guzman embraced their roles and competed with the same intensity that defined their years together at FEU-Diliman and Ateneo.
The 22-year-old middle blocker delivered one of her most efficient outings of the season, anchoring ZUS Coffee’s net defense and providing steady scoring that helped the quarterfinal-bound squad pull away when it mattered.
Meanwhile, the 23-year-old outside hitter turned in her usual all-around performance for the Nxled side. She did a little bit of everything to keep her team within striking distance, even as they eventually fell short.
Despite Miner and the Thunderbelles pulling off a win over De Guzman and the Chameleons, both players made the most of their first of what promises to be many matchups, showcasing just how far they’ve come since playing side by side.
Miner, the fifth overall pick of the 2025 PVL Rookie Draft, said she was genuinely happy to see how far both of them have come since their early days as raw talents in Grade 9.
(C) PVL Images
“Really great to see Lyann on the other side of the court na especially close kami. Siguro nagkaroon ng konting banter noong third set with us pero quiet lang,” said the 5-foot-11 middle blocker, who finished with 15 points on 13-of-18 attacks and two blocks.
The same goes for De Guzman, who was selected one spot ahead of Miner as the fourth pick in the recent draft. She said they’ve grown so much since their UAAP days and expressed pride in her former teammate’s professional success.
“Very proud sa aming dalawa. Malayo na rin ‘yung narating namin, and very proud din ako sa kanya kasi grabe na rin ‘yung naging achievements niya,” she said after posting an all-around effort of 10 points, 11 digs, and 11 receptions.
After their brief reunion, Miner and De Guzman are now heading in separate directions, with Miner advancing to the quarterfinals while De Guzman’s team bowed out.
Despite their differing paths, both remain focused on growth as they strive to reach new heights in their professional careers.
(C) PVL Images
“Actually, mas maraming at stake ngayon sa quarterfinals kasi one loss, wala lahat ang pinaghihirapan namin. So we’re really just going to give our 110% every game and just leave it all out on the court,” Miner said.
“Yun yung sabi nga ni Ate (Chiara), ang daming challenges na nangyari and maraming ding games na parang kinakapos talaga, nandoon na pero bumibitaw. And yun din, kailangan lang maging consistent pa kasi alam naman namin kung anong kaya namin ibigay bawat game,” De Guzman added.
