Alas Pilipinas setter Jia de Guzman. –MARLO CUETO/INQUIRER.net
MANILA, Philippines — Jia De Guzman is parting ways with the Denso Airybees after two seasons in the Japan SV.League as she turns her focus to Alas Pilipinas’ upcoming international tournaments including the 33rd Southeast Asian Games in Thailand.
The Airybees on Holy Wednesday announced that De Guzman will bid farewell to the squad after the ongoing 2024-25 SV.League.
“I’m really grateful to Denso, the hardworking staff, my wonderful teammates, and all our fans for 2 seasons of trust, love and support. Everything I’ve learned here in Denso has really helped in my growth as a person and an athlete. I will always cherish and bring it with me in my future endeavors, especially for Philippine volleyball,” said De Guzman in a statement on Denso’s website.
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The Filipino setter and the Airybees face the Saitama Ageo Medics in a quarterfinal series starting on April 18. Denso finished fourth in the regular season with a 29-15 record.
De Guzman had a fruitful overseas stint in Japan, winning the 1 Women V.Cup last year, followed by a runner-up finish in the Kurowashiki All Japan Volleyball Tournament.
“I have made lifelong friends in Japan, and I can’t wait to see all of you again in the future! Please continue to support the Denso Airybees until the end!” she said.
The eight-time PVL Best Setter is looking forward to rejoining the Alas program as the national team period begins in May, gearing up for the AVC Challenge Cup and two legs in the SEA V.League.
READ: ‘Ms. Volleyball’ honor ‘dream come true’ for Jia De Guzman
“I will have the chance to focus on the 2025 National Team campaign of the Philippines after the SV. League season, so I thank everyone for their continued support,” De Guzman wrote.
The 2025 Philippine Sportswriters Association Miss Volleyball is seeking to end the 20-year medal drought of the Philippine women’s volleyball team in the SEA Games, as she got another call-up as part of coach Jorge Souza De Brito’s 33-player wishlist.
De Guzman led Alas’ rebirth last year with a historic bronze medal in the Challenge Cup at Rizal Memorial Coliseum and steered the team to a pair of third-place finishes in the SEA V.League.
The Alas captain won the Best Setter in both international tournaments last year.
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Jaja Santiago and Maddie Madayag are also set to part ways with their respective Japanese clubs.
