Ateneo’s Lyann De Guzman celebrates during a win over UE in UAAP Season 87 women’s volleyball.–UAAP PHOTO
MANILA, Philippines—Things have been absurdly difficult for the Ateneo Blue Eagles in the UAAP Season 87 women’s volleyball tournament.
Fortunately for the injury-depleted Blue Eagles, Lyann De Guzman has provided the team a reason to feel good about amid the adversities.
De Guzman was a bright spot for Ateneo on Saturday, as she joined hands with AC Miner in leading the Blue Eagles past the University of the East Lady Warriors, 20-25, 25-16, 22-25, 25-15, 15-13, in a thriller.
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“It’s very hard. I thought that this season, our team was really strong,” said De Guzman, whose efforts helped her team stop a three-game skid. “Nobody left [the lineup] but we didn’t expect everything that happened.”
It’s been a trying year for Ateneo, which has lost three key cogs in JLo Delos Santos, Zel Tsunashima and most recently, Sobe Buena, all due to season-ending injuries.
Despite taking one big blow after another, the Blue Eagles have kept fighting. The game against UE was a testament to the team’s grit.
READ: UAAP: Ateneo-La Salle rivalry not the same since Alyssa Valdez left–RDJ
Miner fired 23 points while De Guzman finished with 17 points as the duo powered Ateneo to just its second win in seven starts. Zey Pacio also produced 17 points for the Eagles.
“I just tell them to keep fighting because we have nothing to lose now,” said De Guzman, who is in her fourth year.
“We just have to give our 110 percent every game and maybe the wins will just follow.”
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