De Guzman shines as St. Benilde nails first men’s volleyball crown

In his last starring role as a collegiate player, aspiring actor Johnvic de Guzman gave an award-winning performance Tuesday.

De Guzman, the season’s Most Valuable Player who moonlighted as an actor last year, unloaded 28 points and tons of leadership at crunch time to lead St. Benilde over Perpetual, 25-12, 21-25, 17-25, 25-14, 18-16, for its first ever NCAA men’s volleyball championship.

Before a throng of loudly cheering fans that packed the Filoil Flying V Centre, De Guzman said all he had to do was act naturally.

“We do that scenario (rallying from deficits) in practice,” said De Guzman in Filipino. “I didn’t want to leave this place without the championship.”

De Guzman made his acting debut in the Indie film “Seklusyon” and is now choosing between pursuing a show biz career or extending his playing stint.

“I’m just happy I was able to give Benilde a title before I graduate,” said De Guzman, adding that he wanted to make the national team, which is currently holding tryouts.

“But I know there are many young players out there. If I’m not selected, then I will go full time in show biz,” he added.

St. Benilde coach Arnold Laniog, who has been with St. Benilde as a player and then as head coach since 2000, credited his players’ mental toughness.

Indeed, the Blazers showed steely determination as they saw the Altas take a 13-11 lead in the fifth set.

“In my mind, if the game gets close we will win. That was my gut feel,” said Laniog in sweeping Perpetual in the best-of-three finals series.

Owen Bacani added 13, while Francis Basilan chipped in 10 for St. Benilde. Rey Taneo Jr., led Perpetual with 19 points.

Later in the women’s finals Game 1, Arellano dealt San Sebastian its first loss of the season, 25-18, 25-20, 25-16, to equalize their finals series.

The 10th straight win by the Lady Chiefs erased the Lady Stags’ thrice-to-beat advantage in the championship and virtually reduced the series to a best-of-three affair.