Jia De Guzman finds joy and excitement in teaming up with La Salle standouts Angel Canino, Julia Coronel, and Thea Gagate in Alas Pilipinas.
The feeling is mutual.
The La Salle trio of Julia Coronel, Angel Canino, and Thea Gagate have openly shared about their giddiness and admiration for Jia Morado-De Guzman.
As it turns out, the decorated setter reciprocates these feelings.
“Kinikilig din ako sa kanila!” De Guzman cheerily shared with One Sports.
“I never thought I would get a chance to play with them.”
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De Guzman, who embraces the mantle of captaincy for Alas Pilipinas, is delighted to see the inclusion of the three collegiate standouts in the national team lineup for the upcoming AVC Challenge Cup.
She is particularly pleased because these promising players have been nurtured under the renowned program of legendary coach Ramil de Jesus.
Among them, De Guzman holds a special interest in her fellow playmaker, Coronel.
“Watching them play kasi they came from a school na sobrang ayos din ng sistema,” the Denso Airybees and Creamline stalwart said.
“Even Julia Coronel, she’s very talented. I’ve seen her play a lot. So I’m excited to work with her also.”
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De Guzman also expressed her eagerness to build stronger connections and glean insights from her other teammates, who include notable players such as Choco Mucho ace Sisi Rondina, Cignal libero Dawn Macandili-Catindig, as well as rising stars Eya Laure of Chery Tiggo and Vanie Gandler of Cignal, among others.
“Not just [the La Salle trio], but also the seniors and other UAAP players, marami talaga ako matututunan from them,” De Guzman said.