Most players dread thinking of playing their final match in college; their final year of eligibility becomes an anxiety-filled buildup to the last game they’ll play donning their school’s colors.
Saint Benilde senior John Vic De Guzman, however, is looking forward to what he’s claiming is his final game for the Blazers on Tuesday.
In his first four seasons at Taft, De Guzman carried the Blazers to consistent Final Four appearances, making a breakthrough to the Finals in Season 90, where they fell short to the EAC Generals.
Aside from the winning an NCAA indoor title, the 6-foot-1 open hitter has done nearly everything in his career; from playing for the National Team to featuring in critically-acclaimed film. In what he believes is his final game for Saint Benilde on Tuesday, the 23-year-old could finally add the elusive NCAA trophy to his resume.
“Masakit sa damdamin ko kung di ko makukuha championship na ‘to,” De Guzman told reporters after their straight set Game One win against the Perpetual Altas.
Looking back, De Guzman’s Blazers have dominated Season 92.
After losing their season opener to the Altas, the Blazers ticked off their next nine matches en route to the top seed. In Game One of the Finals against the same Altas squad that foiled them in Day One, Saint Benilde could not be denied of the win.
“Ang nasa isip ko ‘di sila makakakuha ng kahit isang set,” De Guzman claimed after Game One, where he scorched the opposition for 19 markers.
“Since tinalo na namin sila nung battle for Number One, nakita namin sa kanila… Kumbaga wala ‘yung sobrang tapang. Kami prepared mentally, nag-connect kami bawat isa.”
With Game Two just three days away, De Guzman does not have melancholy thoughts of possibly playing in the NCAA for the Finals. He’s only excited to finally hoist the elusive championship.
“Excitement,and kumbaga maliit na pressure,” De Guzman answered about his feelings heading into Game Two.
“Pipilitin na namin makuha this time. Since ito last playing year ko, ‘di ako papayag na ‘di makuha ang championship.”
