Alas Pilipinas team captain Jia De Guzman consoled young gun Shaina Nitura, who was emotional after their grueling five-set loss against Iran in the 2025 AVC Women’s Nations Cup.
In the high-stakes world of international volleyball, victories are not only won on the court—but also in the quiet, emotional moments that speak louder than any scoreboard.
Following Alas Pilipinas’ heartbreaking five-set loss to Iran in the 2025 AVC Women’s Nations Cup, team captain Jia De Guzman once again showed why she’s more than just a setter—she’s the soul of the team.
Cameras caught Jia embracing and consoling Shaina Nitura, the team’s youngest member, who was in tears after the emotional rollercoaster of the match.
It wasn’t the first time Jia stepped up with quiet but powerful leadership. In the 2024 AVC Challenge Cup, a similar moment unfolded when Faith Nisperos struggled during a tense match.
Jia didn’t hesitate to offer her a sign of encouragement—one that steadied Faith and reminded everyone watching that leadership isn’t always loud; sometimes, it’s a reassuring nod, a whisper, a presence.
[ALSO READ: “Bakit nakakaiyak?” #WWWSKPH lead Kim Chiu moved by Jia De Guzman's captain call for Faith Nisperos in Alas Pilipinas]
[ALSO READ: AVC: Faith Nisperos gains confidence boost from Jia de Guzman in Alas Pilipinas' perfect Pool A finish]
The great foundation of the Alas Pilipinas team, Jia's influence and power is more than just setting to her talented attackers.
Against Iran, the match stretched into five fierce sets, with momentum swinging like a pendulum and every point fought for with heart.
Shaina Nitura, new to the international stage, poured everything she had onto the court. When the match ended, the weight of it all hit—and it was Jia who caught her.
As the team regroups for their next battles, they do so with a deeper bond—and a captain who leads not just with plays, but with heart.
Watch the full video here: