Written by Akari Sports staff | Photo: PVL
NXLED hurdled an early test in the Premier Volleyball League All-Filipino Conference, as it edged out Farm Fresh, 25-23, 13-25, 21-25, 25-15, 15-12, to open its campaign on a high note on Tuesday at the Playtime Filoil Centre.
Three-time MVP Brooke Van Sickle and veteran Myla Pablo delivered clutch performances in the decider set to carry the new-look Chameleons to victory.
Van Sickle, Pablo and MJ Phillips, who were among the core acquired from PetroGazz which went into leave of absence last month, posted double-digit numbers for Nxled.
“Definitely, it was a team effort. It was still a good first game,” Van Sickle said. “The jitters are out, there were ups and downs. But I’m really proud of my team for coming together and having good energy at the end when it really matters.”
Van Sickle led Nxled with 20 points, including two blocks, Pablo hammered 19 kills and collected six digs, while Phillips had two service aces for a 13-point effort.
Although they have been together with the Angels, Pablo noticed that there were some rough patches that they encountered in the game, as the Chameleons hope to clean it up as the tournament progresses.
“May mga lapses na nangyayari, medyo kulang pa sa communication sa team. Pero kahit paano, nandiyan naman si coach (Guidetti Ettore), gina-guide kami sa loob ng court,” Pablo, who had 45 percent attack efficiency, said.
Lyann de Guzman, one of the Chameleons’ key holdovers, was one of the vital cogs in the fourth set win to force the decider. The former Ateneo standout, who entered the match in the third set, scored seven points.
“Being one of the young guns, she was fantastic, she produced a lot and she gave us a lot of energy,” Van Sickle said of De Guzman.
Setter Jules Tolentino tossed in 12 excellent sets and matched Phillips’ two aces, while libero Bang Pineda tallied 20 digs.
“If that’s how the season begins, it was certainly a fearsome match,” Guidetti said in reflecting on the victory.
The team was able to overcome Trisha Tubu’s match-best 28 point outing for the Foxies.
“In my opinion, Farm Fresh played very well, especially considering it was everyone’s first game. It was difficult for us, but in the last two sets I was fortunate to find the right players at the right moments. That’s why we’re happy to say the first step went in the right direction,” Guidetti said.
Nxled will next face Capital1 on Saturday at the Ynares Center in Montalban.
