Jia Morado-De Guzman is set to don the national colors once more, as she gears up to represent the Philippines in the upcoming AVC Challenge Cup
Jia Morado-De Guzman is set to once again don the national colors as she joins the Philippine women’s volleyball team for the upcoming AVC Challenge Cup for Women.
While the official roster for the international tournament, slated to run from May 22 to 29 at the Rizal Memorial Coliseum, has not been unveiled, De Guzman confirmed the development on Sunday, May 12.
“Yes, I’m going to play in the upcoming AVC Challenge Cup and I know, very little preparation but we’re going to give our best despite that,” De Guzman said.
“All the time naman, ready to step up for the flag, so excited ako to play for the Philippines again.”
De Guzman, who made a surprise appearance to support Creamline in Game Two of the Finals against Choco Mucho at the Smart Araneta Coliseum, arrived back in the Philippines last Thursday, May 9.
Fresh from her triumphant stint with the Denso Airybees in the prestigious Japan V. Cup, the decorated playmaker brings with her a wealth of experience.
De Guzman, who contributed to Denso's runner-up finish in the Kurowashiki tournament and their commendable fifth-place standing in the V.League Division 1, also aims to share her newfound knowledge with the tricolor squad.
“It was pretty challenging but I’m really grateful that I got to learn from the Japanese style of volleyball kasi ang dami talagang matututunan from them. So, hopefully ma-share ko sa Pilipinas ‘yung lahat ng alam ko,” she said.
De Guzman last suited up for the national team in the 2023 Southeast Asian Games, where the Nationals finished fourth in an eight-team field.