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Jia de Guzman returns to Japan for Year 2 with Denso

Alas Pilipinas team captain Jia de Guzman. PVL Media

MANILA — Filipina volleyball star Jia de Guzman is headed back to Japan for a second season with the Denso Airybees, the club confirmed on Tuesday.

De Guzman told ABS-CBN News that she was informed of Denso’s interest in a contract extension towards the tail end of their 2023-24 campaign.

“I was very grateful to hear that, because honestly, I really learned what it means to be a role player, especially in Denso,” said the veteran setter. “I’m glad that they appreciated also my hard work.”

De Guzman, also the captain of the women’s national team, helped Denso win the Women’s V Cup in April 2024. The Airybees finished with a 12-10 win-loss record in the regular season of the V.League in the 2023-24 season.

The Airybees’ campaign in the tournament — now known as the SV.League — starts on October 12 against Aranmare Yamagata.

“We will expect more games in the regular round throughout this year. There will be more games,” said de Guzman. “So everyone in the team, in the pool has to be ready to play at any time. Whatever role they give me, I will always do my best, same as last year.”

De Guzman leaves for Japan on Tuesday. Prior to her return to the Airybees, she helped the Alas Pilipinas women’s national team to a pair of third-place finishes in the SEA V.League, as well as a bronze medal in the 2024 AVC Women’s Challenge Cup, where she also won Best Setter honors.

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