Expect more out of Lyann De Guzman and the Ateneo Blue Eagles as they aim higher in UAAP Season 87 women’s volleyball.
Lyann De Guzman is confident that the Ateneo Blue Eagles can achieve more after working towards consistency during the pre-season, and with head coach Sergio Veloso’s system taking its roots in the team.
After a relatively pedestrian showing in UAAP Season 86 where they ended up fifth with a 5-9 slate, De Guzman believes that there is potential to unlock for herself and the rest of the Blue Eagles as they hope to restore Ateneo’s powerhouse status in women's volleyball.
Having last won the title back in UAAP Season 81, De Guzman said that the team is moving in the right direction.
“Siguro nung pre-season, very happy ako sa naging panapos namin [and even] sa season na yun and of course, sobrang pinaghahandaan namin itong season na to,” De Guzman told One Sports during the UAAP Content Day.
“I know sa season namin ngayon, may ilalabas pa kami. Kahit nung nakaraan pang season,” she added.
Among the veterans in the Blue Eagles, De Guzman said that they have finally integrated into Veloso’s system, which she has also committed to pass on to her younger teammates.
As a leader, De Guzman has been helping the rookies to get settled in quicker. That is, so that they can compete better against the rest of the competition.
“Ngayong season for me, mas napadali siya since kami alam na din namin yung sistema ni coach. So, may nagh-help na rin sa kanya na magturo sa rookies, so parang, mas napadali yung process namin ngayon sa kanila,” she said.
“But ayun nga, syempre, babalik at babalik pa rin kami sa default namin sa paglalaro. Kailangan lang talaga namin maging consistent and maging natural na lang yung galaw.”
For Veloso, meanwhile, it was important to work on the more technical side, which they did during the offseason.
Now that they completed their months-long preparation, the Brazilian mentor is optimistic of their chances for Season 87.
“We started [working] last May, June. We did the pre-season. I liked to push more in the technicals and stuff, and after we play a tournament. Now, after the new year, we went to Japan and did a camp. This is so important. Because we can work hard, full-time focus, with volleyball, and now, seeing the last phase, hopefully we can compete,” he said.
He also acknowledged the help of his more veteran players, who have already learned his system to heart.
Along with the new players, Veloso hopes they can soar together in Season 87.
“Most of the players understand my philosophy, the system, and I can push for the second level. Now with the new players, the rookies, it’s a little easy because the seniors can help these new players to improve faster and help our team to improve together,” he said.
The UAAP women’s volleyball tournament begins this weekend on February 15 at the Mall of Asia Arena in Pasay City.