Jia Morado-de Guzman is expected to join the Philippine women's volleyball team in their next game against the five-time defending champion China on Tuesday, Aug. 23, at the PhilSports Arena in Pasig City.
The stellar playmaker was present in the team practice Monday morning, Aug. 22, an indication that the Creamline standout could see action against the powerhouse Chinese squad which is coming off a tough win against Vietnam, 25-12, 25-6, 29-31, 21-25, 15-12,
Morado-de Guzman recently won a title with the Cool Smashers in the Premier Volleyball League Invitational Conference and has donned the national tri-colors back in 2018 in the same tournament held in Thailand.
The leadership and experience of Morado, Alyssa Valdez, and Risa Sato were evidently missed as the Philippines suffered an opening game loss to Vietnam, 25-19, 25-17, 31-29, Sunday night.
After the stinging defeat in front of a sizable Filipino crowd, the Filipina spikers vowed to regroup and perform better against a formidable Chinese side.
"Siyempre magte-training kaming mabuti," said Jema Galanza. “Kinulang man pero marami rin natutunan" (Nikole Javier)