NXLED heads into its next Premier Volleyball League On Tour assignment with renewed confidence as it takes on Galeries Tower on Saturday at the Polomolok Municipal Gymnasium in South Cotabato.
Although the province-hopping sorties have served as a preseason buildup, coach Ettore Guidetti stressed that his Chameleons refused to approach the competition as a series of exhibition matches.
“We don’t feel it’s an exhibition,” said the Italian mentor. “The players put pressure on themselves, and we’re trying to win every single game. That’s the truth. For us, the exhibition is about playing at our highest level.”
After losing to Creamline in the opener, Nxled improved to 1-1 in the On Tour after fashioning out a 25-17, 25-23, 25-18 sweep of an undermanned Capital1 side in Vigan last week.
The Chameleons, who are most likely still without Brooke Van Sickle, are bracing for a tough Highrisers challenge at 4 p.m.
Akari and Choco Mucho clash in the 6:30 p.m. mainer.
For Guidetti, the biggest takeaway from the victory against the Solar Spikers was not just the result but the way his team played.
“I honestly think we really enjoyed playing,” said Guidetti. “Despite a few interruptions because of the format, we reacted very well every time. I was happy that everybody got the chance to play because all of my players are capable. What pleased me the most was our defense. It was outstanding, and I think the crowd also appreciated how hard we fought for every ball.”
Myla Pablo and Jonah Sabete-Escamillan have stepped up without Van Sickle, and MJ Phillips is playing at her usual best in the middle, while rookie Irah Jaboneta is a revelation as a libero.
But the difference maker for Nxled is former Cignal playmaker Gel Cayuna, whose wizardry does wonders for her spikers.
“The setter is one of the most important positions,” said Guidetti. “She’s basically the coach on the floor, so building that connection with everyone is extremely important.”
That is an area where Galeries Tower has shown promise.
The Highrisers are anchored by veteran playmaker Julia Coronel while this year’s top rookie pick Lams Lamina impressed in her professional debut after coming off the bench to orchestrate the offense with seven excellent sets.
Galeries Tower also opened its preseason campaign on a high note, stunning Farm Fresh, 25-17, 24-26, 25-19, 26-24, in Batangas City two weeks ago.
The Highrisers are showing a lot of upside which hopes to translate to success when All-Filipino action begins in few months time.
Erika Deloria, a former Enderun star who is making her mark for Galeries Tower, will lead the team’s offense with veteran Aiza Pontillas, while last season’s first round pick Jean Asis is determined to elevate her level of play in the frontline.
Despite dropping their On Tour opener, the Chargers still boast of Ivy Lacsina, Eli Soyud and a rejuvinated Faith Nisperos, while Grethcel Soltones ably filled the void left by Justine Jazareno in the libero position.
Soltones collected 14 digs in Akari’s 11-25, 23-25, 28-26, 17-25 loss to ZUS Coffee in Ilagan City, Isabela last July 8.
Tin Tiamzon, who traces her roots from nearby Koronadal City and an off-season acquisition from the Super Spikers, hopes to put up a good performance in her homecoming.
The Flying Titans, meanwhile, are hoping to snap a two-match skid.
Choco Mucho, which sorely misses national team standouts Eya Laure, Dawn Catindig and Sisi Rondina, while Kat Tolentino continues to recover from an injury, seeks to wrap up its On Tour campaign with a victory.
Nxled and Akari will be in Lanao del Norte on August 15 to play against Farm Fresh and PLDT, respectively, to cap their On Tour stints.
