Queen Eagles ready to spread wings
A few months ago, Ateneo’s Lyann de Guzman and AC Miner were still undecided whether to stay for one final year with the school they’ve called home for a long time or finally spread their wings to reach new heights.
They didn’t talk about it, but ultimately ended up with the same decision.
“We really decided separately, especially my batchmates Taks [Fujimoto], Yvana [Sulit],” De Guzman said. “We decided on our own because we have different lives and needs outside [volleyball].”
“Only AC and I chose to go through the draft,” the talented outside hitter added. “I would have wanted to stay for one more year but I think that it’s time for me to move on to the next level of my journey.”
Although Ateneo didn’t soar high enough behind De Guzman and Miner, the two are some of the projected first-round picks among the 57 aspirants who made the final cut of the PVL Rookie Draft.
The horizon might be wider for Miner, who is a natural middle blocker, but under Blue Eagles coach Sergio Veloso developed as an opposite as well. A lot of teams have been searching for talent to guard the net.
“I signed up as a middle but if the team that picks me decides to make me an opposite then we’ll see,” the 5-foot-11 Miner said. “Being an opposite was one of the things where I gained confidence last season.”
Other names
She has some edge against the 15 players who have the same position as her, such as University of Santo Tomas product Pia Abbu, Far Eastern U’s Jean Asis and the tallest available option, University of the East’s Riza Nogales.
Other names in the mix are Adamson’s May Ann Nuique, La Salle’s Jessa Ordiales, University of the Philippines’ Nica Celis and Lady Bulldog’s twin towers Erin Pangilinan and Sheena Toring.
Spearheading Ateneo to a 5-9 (win-loss) standing in the UAAP Season 87 women’s volleyball tournament, Miner exited as among the best scorers with a total of 198 points made up of 172 spikes, 21 blocks and five aces, while De Guzman was not far behind with a total of 187 points from 171 kills, six blocks and 10 aces.
But being an outside hitter, she would have some competition with big names such as consensus No. 1 pick Bella Belen, La Salle’s Alleiah Malaluan and Jyn Soreño, ex-Lady Tamaraw Chenie Tagaod and Benilde’s Mycah Go.
Stepping out of their comfort zones, the former Blue Eagles are hopeful that their time with Ateneo has prepared them enough to venture to the pro leagues and help whichever team they will end up with.
