Written by Akari Sports Staff | Photo: PVL
ALL eyes are on Nxled, which could tilt the balance in the Premier Volleyball League following a sweeping revamp during the conference break, as it plays Farm Fresh Tuesday in the resumption of the All-Filipino Conference at the Playtime Filoil Centre.
Despite now having a powerhouse roster led by three-time MVP Brooke Van Sickle, the Chameleons are wary of the Foxies, who also made a lot of noise during the hiatus, in the much-anticipated 4 p.m. duel.
A win will allow Nxled to join Cignal and Choco Mucho, which produced impressive opening day wins in straight-set fashion, for the early lead.
Nxled, which acquired the core of a champion squad of PetroGazz, which ruled the Reinforced Conference before taking a leave of absence, is determined to make huge strides.
Chemistry, often the biggest hurdle for newly retooled squads, won’t be much a problem for coach Ettore Guidetti.
Van Sickle, Myla Pablo and MJ Phillips already share a championship-tested bond from their time with the Angels. That familiarity extends to former teammates Djanel Cheng, Jules Tolentino, Jonah Sabete, Bang Pineda, Jellie Tempiatura, Nicole Tiamzon and Ranya Musa.
The Chameleons also added Aby Maraño and Aduke Ogunsanya to shore up their frontline, as well as playmaker Joyme Cagande.
Holdovers Lyann de Guzman, Chiara Permentilla, Krich Macaslang, Mayang Nuique, Lucille Almonte, EJ Laure-Cariño and Jov Fernandez complete Nxled cast.
“Well, it’s obviously a challenge and it’s something that I accept, embrace, and I am blessed to be the coach (of this team). So yes, it will be difficult. Yes, it will be hard. But honestly, I’m not scared. I’m excited,” said Guidetti.
Under new coach Koji Tsuzurabara, there’s no room for Farm Fresh but to go up.
The Japanese mentor are familiar of some of his former Angels, who he steered to an All-Filipino championship in 2025, and scouting won’t be a problem.
New signees Ara Galang, Mylene Paat, Royse Tubino, Remy Palma, Bia General and Imee Hernandez gave the Foxies an upgrade as they seek to bounce back from a disappointing quarterfinal exit in the Reinforced Conference.
While reunited with Tsuzurabara, Palma, formerly from PetroGazz, will face her erstwhile teammates for the first time.
