Lyann De Guzman is proud of the Ateneo Blue Eagles' growth under coach Sergio Veloso in the UAAP Season 86 women's volleyball tournament.
For the second-straight season, Ateneo de Manila University missed out on a UAAP Final Four slot.
But even after falling short of their goal in the UAAP Season 86 women's volleyball tournament, Lyann De Guzman still described the Blue Eagles' campaign as a success.
"Siyempre sa una nakaka-sad kasi siyempre gusto namin maka-top four pero kinapos pa rin, but nakikita ko sa team na kahit hindi kami umabot, nakita ko naging successful kami," De Guzman told One Sports.
The 5-foot-10 outside hitter, who finished with 25 points in Ateneo's four-set win over the University of the East, had nothing but praises for the team's growth throughout the season under coach Sergio Veloso.
"Feel ko nagawa namin 'yung job namin lahat na mapakita talaga 'yung sistema ni coach [Sergio], kung ano 'yung mga tinuro niya sa amin," said De Guzman.
"Nakita ko each and every one of us na nag-improve talaga compared [to] last year na nakita ko na kahit 'yung mga rookies namin sobrang lumalaban [and] ready sila kahit anong mangyari," she added.
Veloso likewise pointed out that making the Final Four wasn't the only goal for the Blue Eagles, rather improving as a unit and showing what they are capable of.
"We have not only one target. Not only short term, we have a medium and a long [term goal]. This is the program when Ateneo invited me to work for the program. This is our process," said Veloso.
"This is a good impression for the seniors because everybody needs to do their best and you show me, you play more, it's that simple," he added.
[ALSO READ: UAAP: Sergio Veloso eyes Final Four finish for rebuilding Ateneo]
With two more games left in their season, De Guzman is looking to go all out to further improve Ateneo's record and give team captain Roma Mae Doromal a proper send-off.
"Siguro para sa akin, sobrang enjoyin nalang namin 'yung last two games namin and sobrang ilabas na talaga namin kung ano 'yung laro namin na huwag na kaming matakot," said De Guzman.
"Itong two games na ito, for me sobrang ilalaro ko siya for ate Roms kasi last playing year na din niya and gusto ko maging proud siya sa team niya this year," she added.
Ateneo will face De La Salle University next on Sunday, April 21 at the Smart Araneta Coliseum in Cubao at 4:00 p.m.