Creamline’s Jia de Guzman is finally playing overseas for Japan V.League side Denso Airybees. PVL photo
Creamline star De Guzman to play in Japan
JIA de Guzman, the decorated Creamline setter, will become the third Filipina to play in the top-tier Japan V.League.
The Denso Airybees, who are hoping to improve their sixth place finish last season, yesterday formally announced the acquisition of De Guzman.
The 5-foot-7 De Guzman, a six-time Premier Volleyball League champion and a two-time UAAP gold medalist, is looking forward in her first foray overseas.
“I am really looking forward to contribute everything I can for the Denso Airybees. Together with the coaches, staffs and my teammates, we will do our very best to train, fight and win this season!,” De Guzman said through the club’s social media accounts.
Following the footsteps of sisters Dindin Santiago-Manabat, who became the first Filipina to play in Japan Division 1 for Toray Arrows in 2018, and Jaja Santiago, the former Ageo Medics star who recently moved to JT Marvelous, De Guzman hopes to make the country proud.
With De Guzman’s departure, the Cool Smashers will usher a new chapter, with Kyle Negrito expected to fill in the void as the club’s main setter when thr season-ending All-Filipino Conference is scheduled to commence in mid-October.
“While we’ll undoubtedly miss her presence on the court, we wholeheartedly support her decision to pursue this unique opportunity. These next few months may mark a temporary separation, but they’ll also be a testament to our unwavering commitment to the team and our players’ overall development,” Creamline said in a statement.
“The management, her teammates, and coaches stand firmly behind Jia every step of the way. We eagerly await her return, ready to welcome her back with open arms and countless stories to share.
“The court will not be the same without her, but we’re confident that her journey will inspire us all.”
The 2023-24 V.League is set to run from late October to April of the following year. De Guzman is poised to make her debut on October 28, when the Airybees face defending champion NEC Red Rockets.
A week later, the Airybees will play Jaja Santiago’s JT Marvelous.
