BATANGAS CITY — Lyann De Guzman shook off early jitters to deliver a stellar debut performance for Nxled on Saturday night.
The fourth overall pick in the recent PVL Draft admitted she felt anxious ahead of the Chameleons’ showdown against reigning All-Filipino Conference champion Petro Gazz. But thanks to the steady support of her veteran teammates, De Guzman was able to find her rhythm and step up when it mattered most.
“Actually, nung una talaga sobrang kinakabahan talaga ako. Like pagpasok sa arena, like ‘eto na talaga’ and grabe talaga ‘yung audience. Sabi nga ng mga Ate ko, parang relax lang and just enjoy the game. Parang mas umano pa ‘yung confidence ko with their help,” said De Guzman.
And she delivered, scoring a game-high 21 points — the most by a rookie since the draft was implemented last year, on 18 attacks and three aces.
She also contributed eight excellent digs and nine excellent receptions to power Nxled to a thrilling five-set victory over the Angels, 25-23, 19-25, 19-25, 25-15, 15-10, in the 2025 PVL On Tour at the Batangas City Sports Center here.
(C) PVL Images
De Guzman credited her strong showing to staying disciplined and buying into head coach Etorre Guidetti’s system.
“Of course, very happy kasi parang lahat ng tinraining namin this past few weeks lumabas siya sa laro namin. Of course, we just need to follow the system of coach [Etorre Guidetti] and ‘yung points parang dadating na lang kasi ‘yun eh,” she said.
The 5-foot-10 outside hitter also expressed gratitude to her more experienced teammates, who she said have helped her adjust to the pro level both mentally and emotionally.
“Actually, ‘yun nga nung pinili ako very excited ako. Nasa isip ko talaga nun parang very healthy competition ‘yung mangyayari sa team namin and of course, ‘yung mga Ates ko beterano na ‘yan eh. Matagal na sila sa PVL and they know kung paano maging smart maglaro, ‘yung system ni coach, and ako pasimula pa lang,” she shared.
“So ina-adapt ko pa. Slowly, mas natututunan ko na ‘yung bagong system and of course I’m very happy kasi marami pa akong natututunan. Just enjoy the game and tiwala lang, of course sa mga help ng Ates ko mas napapadali ‘yung journey ko sa PVL,” she added.
Now, with her first pro match behind her and a standout performance to show for it, De Guzman said she’s feeling more comfortable in her new environment — and more determined to keep pushing herself.
“Syempre ngayon, mas naka-adjust na ako sa new environment ng bagong volleyball community,” said De Guzman.
“Same mindset lang na ibigay ‘yung 110 percent every game and of course, just follow the system and ‘yung mga sinabi ni coach. Follow lang talaga kasi pupuntos at pupuntos ‘pag sinusunod lang instructions ni coach.”
#WATCH: Lyann De Guzman reflects on her big debut with Nxled, calling it a major confidence boost as she looks ahead to the rest of #PVL0225 🏐
🎥 @jonashdcd /Tiebreaker Times pic.twitter.com/xN1QKNbWE6
— Tiebreaker Times (@tiebreakertimes) June 28, 2025
