Former Ateneo Blue Eagles AC Miner (Zus Coffee) and Lyann de Guzman (Nxled) face each other for the first time in the Premier Volleyball League. PVL Media Bureau
RODRIGUEZ, Rizal — Former Ateneo Blue Eagles AC Miner (Zus Coffee) and Lyann de Guzman (Nxled) finally stepped foot on the PVL taraflex—not as teammates, but rivals for the first time since Grade 9.
In a battle of teams with contrasting fates, quarterfinals-bound Zus Coffee took care of business against also-ran Nxled, 25-13, 25-21, 25-21, in the 2025 PVL Reinforced Conference on Tuesday at the Ynares Center here.
Both coming out of the Katipunan-based squad, Miner and De Guzman go a long way, having played together in the UAAP for Ateneo from Seasons 84-87 before forgoing their eligibility in their last playing year.
READ: PVL: Zus Coffee heads to QF with newfound confidence after sweeping Nxled
They were also products of FEU High School in Diliman, and were together since Grade 9.
Both expressed happiness as they tackled each other for the first time—and they even had a friendly banter in Set 3.
"I'm very happy to play against Lyann, my former teammate, since we've been together since grade nine kami," Miner told ABS-CBN News. "I'm very happy to see how far she's come as a pro, and can't wait to see what's next for her."
Miner, the No. 5 overall pick in the 2025 PVL Rookie Draft, acknowledged it was unusual for her to see De Guzman, who came as fourth overall selection in the same proceedings, on the other side.
"Siguro, nahirapan ako kasi first time ko siya makatapat sa kabilang side ng court. Hindi ko alam kung paano block-in since lagi kami magkasama sa same side," Miner said.
They even had a light banter, to which Miner detailed: "Siguro after ko mag-running spike, sabi lang ni Lyann, 'sabi ko siya easy-han mo'. Sabi ko, 'hindi pwede 'yon, trabaho lang.'"
For her part, De Guzman said she was proud of what they have reached so far.
"Very proud sa aming dalawa kasi malayo na 'yung narating namin," De Guzman said.
Miner and De Guzman stuffed the stat sheet, with the middle blocker dropping 15 points (13 attacks, 2 blocks), and the outside hitter pacing her side with a triple-double of 10 points, 11 digs, and 11 receptions.