Jia De Guzman wants to be optimistic on Korean V-League application

Creamline Cool Smashers co-captain Jia De Guzman has completed her duty for the conference. The Best Setter led the squad to the 2023 PVL All-Filipino Conference championship, while picking up the Finals MVP plum in the process.

Now, she hopes she gets a shot to compete in an even tougher competition—the Korean V-League.

She will learn of her fate by April 21.

"I want to be optimistic. I wouldn't apply naman if I'm not shooting for it," De Guzman told One Sports on Thursday, after Creamline won its sixth PVL title.

"Whether I get it or not, I know I have the team's backing."

@onesportsphl Jia de Guzman on her application for the Korean V-League. We are rooting for you, Jiamazing! 🌟 #PVL2023 #TheHeartOfVolleyball ? original sound - OneSportsPHL

De Guzman, along with Akari Chargers' Dindin Santiago-Manabat, Petro Gazz Angels' MJ Phillips, Chery Tiggo Crossovers' Mylene Paat, as well as F2 Logistics Cargo Movers' Majoy Baron and Iris Tolenada are trying out for the Asian Quota in the Korean V-League.

And it's a tough competition with only seven clubs making a selection. They're also competing with three Indonesian players and eight Thai athletes—including star setter Pornpun Guedpard.

Last August, the captain of the Thailand national team had high praise for De Guzman during the AVC Cup for Women.

@onesportsphl All praise for Jiamazing! 💥Thailand captain Pornpun says Jia has taken an amazing leap in her game! #A VCCupforWomen2022 #A VCVolley #A VCCup2022 #s portsnewsph #J iaMorado #P ornpunGuedpard ? original sound - OneSportsPHL

In the men's edition, Cignal HD Spikers' Marck Espejo, Manuel Sumanguid III, and JP Bugaoan, along with Cotabato Spikers' Jao Umandal have applied for the Asian Quota. The draft will take place from April 25 to 27 at Jeju Island.

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Several Filipino volleyball players have made their mark as imports abroad. De Guzman's teammate, Alyssa Valdez, played for Thailand's 3BB Nakormnont and Taiwan's Attack Line.

Paat herself won a bronze medal with Nakhon Ratchasima in Thailand. Santiago-Manabat eventually became her teammate.

Dindin's sister, Jaja Santiago, was hailed Best Blocker in Japan's V.League, while taking the bronze in the V.Cup with the Ageo Medics.

Espejo has also been quite a journeyman, competing for Weisse Adler and FC Tokyo in Japan along with Bani Jamra in Bahrain. Umandal also played for the same Bahraini club.

Meanwhile, Bryan Bagunas just finished leading Win Streak to the championship in Taiwan.