UAAP: Lyann De Guzman ‘still happy’ about Ateneo’s season

Ateneo’s Lyann De Guzman during a game against UE in UAAP Season 87 women’s volleyball.–MARLO CUETO/INQUIRER.net

MANILA, Philippines—Ateneo’s Lyann De Guzman made sure that the Blue Eagles went out winning in their final game of the season.

Behind De Guzman, the Blue Eagles soared past University of the East, 25-21, 23-25, 25-16, 27-25, in the UAAP Season 87 women’s volleyball tournament on Saturday at Smart Araneta Coliseum.

“Actually, I had high expectations this season but we just didn’t anticipate everything that happened,” said De Guzman in Filipino, pertaining to her squad being bit by the injury bug early in the season.

READ: UAAP: Ateneo ends injury-hit season on winning note

Lyann De Guzman on Ateneo’s run for #UAAPSeason87. @INQUIRERSports pic.twitter.com/Q8GfsSeajK

— Rommel Fuertes Jr. (@MeloFuertesINQ) April 26, 2025

“I’m still happy because I think we achieved our goal of showing that we can fight despite us being shorthanded.”

Ateneo entered Season 87 with high expectations but its bid quickly took a huge hit after season-ending injuries to its key cogs Zel Tsunashima and JLo Delos Santos.

The Blue Eagles’ health woes didn’t stop there with another vital piece in Sobe Buena also going down with an ACL injury in the first round.

READ: UAAP: Ateneo offers win over Adamson to injured Zel Tsunashima

De Guzman was one of the few bright spots for Ateneo and she capped what could be her final season with an all-around effort of  13 points, 18 excellent digs and 17 excellent receptions to help the Blue Eagles finish their campaign with a 5-9 card.

“I’m also very happy with our roles and my teammates because they were very ready and they really stepped up,” she said.

De Guzman has one more year left of eligibility but is still undecided about her future.