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Tag: Lyann de Guzman

  • Lyann De Guzman embraces mentor role as new PVL hopefuls prepare for leap to pros

    Lyann De Guzman embraces mentor role as new PVL hopefuls prepare for leap to pros

    Only a year into her professional career, Lyann De Guzman suddenly found herself on the other side of the PVL journey — no longer the nervous rookie trying to earn a spot, but one of the players helping the next wave prepare for the pressure that comes with turning pro.

     

    Ahead of the 2026 PVL Rookie Draft Combine, the Nxled Chameleons winger joined fellow PVL standouts AC Miner, Chenie Tagaod, and Ishie Lalongisip in speaking to draft hopefuls during a pre-draft gathering organized by Hustle & Groove.

     

    For De Guzman, the experience served as a reminder of how quickly life in the pros moves.

     

    “Actually hanggang ngayon, [feeling ko] sobrang bilis na isang taon na kami agad sa pro. And for me… Marami pang kailangan matutunan din [kami]. And of course yung mga papasok din naman ngayon. I know, [maalam] na din sila sa volleyball,” De Guzman told One Sports during the pre-draft meeting.

     

    But instead of viewing the incoming class as mere competition, De Guzman sees the 41-player draft pool as a challenge that could elevate everyone in the league — veterans and rookies alike.

     

    “Sobrang taas na rin ng standards nila. Sobrang makikipagsabayan din sila. So ano lang din, parang give and take lang din. Na matututo kami sa kanila, and matututo din sila sa amin.”

     

    That perspective becomes even more personal for De Guzman considering several draft aspirants are players she once shared the court with in high school and college.

     

    One of them is former Ateneo setter Taks Fujimoto, one of De Guzman’s closest friends and former teammates.

     

    Having gone through the uncertainties of the transition herself, De Guzman said she and Miner constantly reminded Fujimoto to trust the opportunity in front of her despite the risks attached to pursuing a professional career.

     

    “Actually sinasabi nga lang namin kay Taks nalang na go for it lang talaga. High risk lang talaga. High risk, high reward,” De Guzman said.

     

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    “Kasi you never know the result hanggang hindi mo tinatry. And support lang kami kahit anong mangyari. Kasi we know naman na, alam namin yung kakayahan ni Taks sa volleyball. And we know na kaya niya.”

     

    For De Guzman, the upcoming combine in Mandaluyong is less about proving who belongs and more about watching a new generation finally receive its shot.

     

    “Actually, very happy kasi na parang another opportunity for them na to grow din. Of course, mashowcase din yung talent nila,” she said.

     

    “And nakikita ko talaga kasi halos lahat ng mga papasok ngayon, naging teammates ko rin noong high school kami and noong college. And I know naman yung kakayahan nila.”

     

    Now entering her sophomore year in the PVL, De Guzman is beginning to realize something many young pros eventually discover.

     

    The league never stops evolving — and sometimes, the players you once grew up with become the ones pushing you to grow even more.

     

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  • “A real pleasure to coach”: Ettore Guidetti praises Lyann de Guzman after Nxled’s second win

    “A real pleasure to coach”: Ettore Guidetti praises Lyann de Guzman after Nxled’s second win

    The Nxled Chameleons continued to show why they are widely regarded as the early favorites in the ongoing 2026 Premier Volleyball League (PVL) All-Filipino Conference after dismantling the Capital1 Solar Spikers in straight sets, 25-18, 28-26, 25-21, at the Ynares Center in Montalban on Saturday, February 7.

     

    Nxled displayed poise and balance throughout the contest, controlling the tempo in the opening set before surviving a tight second frame and closing strong in the third to seal their second consecutive victory in the conference. The win further underscored the Chameleons’ depth, cohesion, and growing chemistry early in the season.

     

    Former UAAP standout Lyann de Guzman continued her impressive start to the conference, building on her solid debut by earning Best Player of the Game honors. The 23-year-old finished with 13 points, highlighted by several timely and clutch hits that steadied Nxled during crucial stretches, particularly in the tightly contested second set.

     

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    De Guzman received ample support from the team’s veteran core, with Brooke Van Sickle and Myla Pablo leading the scoring with 15 points apiece. Middle blocker MJ Phillips also made her presence felt at the net, contributing 10 points while anchoring Nxled’s defense against Capital1’s attacks.

     

    Selected fourth overall by Nxled in last year’s PVL Rookie Draft, De Guzman has quickly emerged as a key piece in the Chameleons’ system. Head coach Ettore Guidetti was full of praise for the young hitter, highlighting not only her on-court production but also her mindset and work ethic.

    “Im happier every single day about her effort and her attitude during the practice. I don’t remember a single practice that she didn’t try her best. Obviously, there are good days and bad days for every one of us, but having players like this is a real pleasure to coach,” Guidetti said during the postmatch press conference.

     

    De Guzman, for her part, was quick to credit the coaching staff, team management, and veteran teammates for helping her settle into her role and play with confidence on the court.

     

    “Coach always reminds us to stick to the system – hit hard and make sure we cover. When rallies happen, everyone does their part, and it really worked for us. They are very supportive. They always encourage me to attack, and they assure me they will take care of the coverage. Everyone is working hard, so this win really belongs to the whole team,” De Guzman said.

     

    She also emphasized the competitive yet supportive environment within the Nxled camp, noting how it has helped the team maintain consistency despite different players stepping up each game.

     

    “We have a very healthy competition in the team. Everyone is willing to step up and help. You can see that it’s not a one-woman show, everyone really wants to contribute to getting the win. Everyone knows what to do on the court. Everyone has experience since they have been in the pros for a while, so the chemistry comes easier. Everyone is also willing to learn from each other,” she added.

     

    With the victory, Nxled improved to a 2-0 record and currently sits second in the All-Filipino Conference standings. The Chameleons will enjoy a brief break before returning to action against the Cignal Solar Spikers on Saturday, February 14, at the Ynares Center in Antipolo, where they will look to sustain their momentum and further strengthen their bid for the conference crown.

     

     

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  • “At first, I was shy because I used to idolize them”: Lyann De Guzman on playing with stars at Nxled

    “At first, I was shy because I used to idolize them”: Lyann De Guzman on playing with stars at Nxled

    The Nxled Chameleons leaned on poise, experience, and late-game execution from their star players to survive a gritty five-set battle against the Farm Fresh Foxies, pulling off a 25-23, 13-25, 21-25, 25-15, 15-12 victory in their opening match of the 2026 Premier Volleyball League (PVL) All-Filipino Conference on Tuesday, February 3, at the FilOil Playtime Centre in San Juan.

     

    From the opening serve, the match was a back-and-forth affair. Both teams exchanged leads in a contest marked by momentum swings, extended rallies, and tactical adjustments. Nxled showed its composure when it mattered most—particularly in the deciding fifth set—snapping Farm Fresh’s resistance and securing a confidence-boosting win to kick off their campaign.

     

    Reigning PVL Most Valuable Player Brooke Van Sickle led the way in her highly anticipated debut for the Chameleons, delivering an all-around performance with 20 points. Fellow debutant Myla Pablo provided timely scoring and defensive stability, finishing with 19 points and six digs to earn Player of the Game honors, while MJ Phillips contributed 13 points. The trio of former Petro Gazz Angels standouts immediately justified their star billing, providing a combination of experience, skill, and leadership that proved vital in high-pressure moments.

     

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    Adding an extra spark off the bench was Lyann De Guzman, the 23-year-old former UAAP standout and fourth overall pick from last year’s PVL Rookie Draft. De Guzman finished with seven points and was instrumental in helping Nxled force the fourth set and eventually the deciding fifth set. After the match, she admitted it was an honor to share the court with players she once idolized.

     

    “At first, I was shy because I used to idolize them, and now they are my teammates. But I’m really happy because bonding with them has been easy. Everyone’s easy to approach and willing to connect,” De Guzman said.

     

    The young rookie emphasized the value of learning from her more seasoned teammates, particularly Van Sickle and Pablo, who are former PVL MVPs.

    “I have learned so much from my ates, ate Brooke, ate Myla. What’s great is that they are really willing to help us perform at our best. It creates healthy competition because everyone wants to help each other improve. We really feel like one team,” she added.

     

    Van Sickle herself praised De Guzman’s contributions, noting that her energy and scoring in the fourth set were crucial in keeping Nxled alive.

     

    “I thought Lyann, especially being one of the young guns, she did a fantastic job. She came in and produced a lot of points and a lot of energy. Myla as always, killing it. Coach obviously believed in everyone, so it was definitely a full team effort,” Van Sickle said.

     

    Farm Fresh, meanwhile, showed promise under Japanese tactician Koji Tsuzurabara, who led the team to strong defensive plays and solid coordination despite the loss. The Foxies’ ability to counter Nxled’s star trio and extend the match to five sets indicates a team that is growing quickly under his system.

     

    The match was also a showcase of team depth and strategy, with Nxled’s coaches rotating players strategically to manage fatigue and exploit matchups. The combination of veteran experience, rookie energy, and tactical awareness ultimately allowed the Chameleons to withstand Farm Fresh’s surges.

     

    With this win, Nxled not only earns an early confidence boost but also begins to integrate its new roster pieces and establish a cohesive identity heading into the long All-Filipino Conference. The Chameleons will aim to maintain momentum when they face the Capital1 Solar Spikers next on Saturday, February 7, at the Ynares Center in Montalban.

     

    For De Guzman, the game was a reminder of the growth opportunities that come from playing alongside experienced stars. For Nxled as a whole, the match serves as a statement that, with the blend of young talent and veteran leadership, the Chameleons are ready to emerge as one of the early contenders in the 2026 PVL All-Filipino Conference.

     

     

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