By KRISTEL SATUMBAGA
Jia De Guzman is imparting her knowledge from her short stint at the Japan V.League when she banners the Alas Pilipinas women’s volleyball team in the upcoming AVC Challenge Cup this week.
“One of the strengths in Japan (volleyball) is how simple and efficient they play,” said the 29-year-old decorated setter.
“That’s one thing that every member of the team is learning now. Actually kay coach Jorge (De Brito) and the rest of the coaching staff are so clear with their goals. Nagtutugma naman yung napupulot namin,” she added.
De Guzman played for the Denso Airybees in the Japan V.League Division 1 as their Asian import for the 2023-24 season. In her first season overseas, she managed to help Denso Airybees finish fifth in the 2023-24 Japan V.League Division 1 Women, followed by a championship during the 2023-24 Japan V.League Division 1 Women V.Cup.
The former Ateneo setter said they are jelling well despite the limited time they have in preparations.
“I’m very excited with the team, particularly our younger players. As seniors, we are challenged to keep up with them, but the young ones are very eager to learn from our experience in the past with the national team,” De Guzman said.
Aside from De Guzman, the team is composed of Dawn Catindig, Vanie Gandler, Dell Palomata, Sisi Rondina, Cherry Nunag, Fifi Sharma, Faith Nisperos, Eya Laure, Jen Nierva and collegiate standouts Angel Canino, Thea Gagate, Julia Coronel and Ara Panique.
Bracketed in Pool A, the Nationals face an acid test when they take on Australia on Thursday, May 23, followed by India on Friday, May 24; Iran on Saturday, May 25; and Chinese Taipei on Sunday, May 26.
The other pool is composed of Vietnam, Indonesia, Kazakhstan, Singapore and Hong Kong.
