Three years after weaving her magic on the court for the Philippine women’s national volleyball team in the very same venue, Jia De Guzman is finally back steering the national side’s offense.
The seasoned setter out of Ateneo had to sit out the Philippines’ first game in the 2022 PNVF AVC Cup for Women against Vietnam due to health reasons, and on Tuesday, still at the PhilSports Arena, she was definitely back like she never left.
De Guzman was in control of things, despite the tough three-set loss to a very skilled Chinese squad, even taking matters into her own hands in some plays to with five markers on three attacks and two service aces.
This very gallant stand was what the acting team captain of the squad took pride of.
“Going up against China, we were able to stick with them for most of the game. It is something that we can be proud of and something we will bring these things for the next two games,” the 27-year-old playmaker.
De Guzman needed to decline the Philippine National Volleyball Federation’s invitation for the national squad just this March of this year. The 5-foot-7 playmaker respectfully begged off, citing COVID-19 protocols as reason as she had received the information 11 days left before the tryouts day.
But now, all that is down the drain as the six-time PVL Best Setter is back wearing the Philippine colors.
“It feels great to represent the flag again.
“We always say with my teammates, it is always a privilege to represent the flag the best we can. And we’re going into this campaign with everything we’ve learned these past few years as a team. So, we’re just praying for everyone’s kind support,” De Guzman shared.
Being a part of several iterations of the PWNVT, the Paranaque-born standout feels that it is an honor to play for the country and as such anyone should start going all out to cheer for our national team.
She said, “Each player who goes to represent the flag, every team that goes to represent the flag, iba-iba kami ng experiences going it. So one thing is for sure, any player going into the court representing the flag will do their best.
“So, hopefully, everyone supports us.”
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