Photo: PVL
Nxled closed its Reinforced Conference campaign with a straight-set loss to ZUS Coffee at the Ynares Center in Rodriguez, Rizal, settling for a tough finish after battling one of the tournament’s top contenders. The Chameleons showed spurts of rhythm in the second and third sets, but the Thunderbelles’ steady play proved difficult to break as the match ended 25-13, 25-21, 25-21.
Paola Martinez led Nxled with 15 points in what turned out to be her final appearance in the import-laden tournament. She delivered consistently throughout the night, keeping the Chameleons competitive in long rallies and providing the spark they needed to stay within striking distance in the last two frames. Lyann De Guzman also closed her first PVL conference on a positive note, contributing 10 points and giving the team valuable production from the wing.
Despite falling short, Nxled displayed better cohesion as the match progressed. Their transitions improved after a slow opening set, and the team managed to challenge ZUS Coffee’s defense with more aggressive swings and quicker setups. The effort was evident in how the Chameleons kept the score tight in the second and third sets, refusing to let the Thunderbelles pull away easily.
The conference may not have ended with the results they hoped for, but the Chameleons walk away with important takeaways. Martinez’s steady leadership, De Guzman’s promising debut, and the team’s late-game adjustments offer signs of growth that they can carry into the next PVL campaign.
Nxled now shifts its focus to rebuilding and strengthening its system, confident that the experience gained in this conference will help them return stronger and more prepared for the challenges ahead.
