Nxled brings bounce-back energy against Galeries Tower

Games Saturday, Aug. 1

Polomolok, South Cotabato

4 p.m. – Nxled vs. Galeries Tower

6:30 p.m. – Akari vs. Choco Mucho

POLOMOLOK, South Cotabato — Nxled carries renewed confidence into its PVL On Tour match against Galeries Tower at 4 p.m. Saturday after an emphatic bounce-back victory in Vigan, Ilocos Sur.

The preseason tour reaches Polomolok after previous stops in Isabela, Batangas, and Ilocos Sur.

Polomolok recorded 176,671 residents in the 2024 census, reinforcing its status as the country’s most populous municipality outside Luzon and providing another sizable market where volleyball enjoys passionate support.

Nxled evened its record at 1-1 after sweeping the undermanned Capital1 Solar Spikers, 25-17, 25-23, 25-18, following a four-set loss to the Creamline Cool Smashers in Ilagan City on July 8.

Myla Pablo led the Chameleons with 17 points, Jonah Sabete-Escamillan added 13, and new setter Gel Cayuna delivered 17 excellent sets against Capital1.

Nxled accomplished the victory without three-time PVL Most Valuable Player Brooke Van Sickle, who is sidelined for the entire On Tour competition because of a minor right shoulder injury.

For coach Ettore Guidetti, however, the biggest takeaway was not merely the result but the manner in which his team played.

“I honestly think we really enjoyed playing,” Guidetti said.

“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,” he added.

The convincing victory raised expectations for a talent-laden Nxled squad seeking to make a deeper impression before the regular season begins in October.

Although the On Tour competition, organized by Sports Vision, serves as a preseason buildup, Guidetti said his team refuses to treat the matches as mere exhibitions.

“We don’t feel it’s an exhibition,” Guidetti said.

“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.”

Guidetti believes every team should approach the tournament with the same mindset, regardless of roster limitations.

Capital1, for instance, played without national team standouts Bella Belen, Erika Santos, and Vanie Gandler against Nxled.

Against Galeries Tower, Nxled will again rely on its depth, with several players capable of earning starting roles.

Guidetti said his constant lineup rotations are part of a deliberate system designed to prepare the team for a long season.

“I always use the same approach in practice,” he said.

“We never have the same starting six twice in a week. It helps us create quality scrimmages and develop chemistry among everyone. During a long conference, anything can happen. You don’t want to be in a situation where a middle blocker suddenly has to play with the starters without ever having built that connection. That’s how I coach this team.”

Central to that philosophy is establishing chemistry between every player and the team’s setters.

“The setter is one of the most important positions,” Guidetti said.

“She’s basically the coach on the floor, so building that connection with everyone is extremely important.”

Galeries Tower has also shown promise at setter, with veteran Jules Coronel directing the offense and top rookie pick Lams Lamina contributing seven excellent sets off the bench in her professional debut.

Coronel recorded 21 excellent sets as the Highrisers stunned preseason favorite Farm Fresh, 25-17, 24-26, 25-19, 26-24, in Batangas.

Erika Deloria powered Galeries Tower with 24 points, while Jean Asis, Aiza Pontillas, Erika Raagas, Roselle Baliton, Lycha Ebon, and Jade Gentapa provided support.

Still, the Highrisers face a tougher challenge against the seasoned Chameleons, who appear to be developing their identity under Guidetti.

The Akari-Choco Mucho match will follow at 6:30 p.m., completing the PVL’s first doubleheader in Polomolok.

Akari will try to rebound after losing its opener to ZUS Coffee, 25-11, 25-23, 26-28, 25-17, in Ilagan City while adjusting to an overhauled roster.

The Chargers still feature Ivy Lacsina, Eli Soyud, Faith Nisperos, and Chenie Tagaod.

Grethcel Soltones made a successful transition to libero and finished with 14 excellent digs in her first match at the position.

Choco Mucho, meanwhile, will try to end a two-match skid and secure its first victory of the tournament.

The Flying Titans fell to 0-2 after a straight-set loss to ZUS Coffee and a 25-21, 20-25, 29-27, 25-18 defeat to PLDT in Vigan.

Choco Mucho has been hampered by the absence of national team standouts Eya Laure, Dawn Catindig, and Sisi Rondina, while Kat Tolentino continues to recover from surgery.

Despite those setbacks, the Flying Titans showed grit against a full-strength PLDT squad and hope to carry that resilience into their matchup with Akari.