Blazer at Heart: De Guzman ‘still with Benilde’ after graduation

An emotional Johnvic Guzman after the St. Benilde Blazers clinch the title. Photo by Tristan Tamayo/INQUIRER.net

Johnvic De Guzman may be leaving College of St. Benilde, but the Season 92 MVP said he would always be a Blazer at heart.

After winning his only men’s volleyball title in the NCAA, De Guzman said he would still offer his help to his alma mater, like guiding the those who are left in the lineup.

“I think I’m still with Benilde, I’m still with the team even if I graduate,” said De Guzman Tuesday at San Juan Arena as he clutched his championship trophy. “I’m still with the team to support them and pass on what I’ve learned to those who will come after me.”

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De Guzman produced a spectacular performance for the Blazers as they upended former champion University of Perpetual Help in five sets, 25-12,21-25, 17-25, 25-14, 18-16, to win their first title in school history.

The season MVP scored a game-high 28 points, 26 coming off spikes, and was vital in the Blazers’ fifth set run.

De Guzman’s last points came in crunch time and tied the match for Benilde twice, 14-14 and 16-16.

His last spike was the first of the Blazers’ final three points that pushed them to the championship.

“Nothing’s impossible, I told my teammates to apply whatever we did in training that we’re used to these kinds of situations, that we’ve all made our sacrifices, and that this day won’t end without us holding the title,” said De Guzman.