Nxled takes best path among newcomers
Nxled’s maiden Premier Volleyball League (PVL) campaign turned out to be a relative success compared to other newcomers—even head coach Taka Minowa was pleasantly surprised at what his Chameleons accomplished.
“Since I met [the Chameleons] the first day, I thought maybe we can win one or two (games) is a max,” Minowa said on Saturday.
But after ending its All-Filipino Conference assignments on a high note by beating Farm Fresh, 25-22, 17-25, 25-20, 25-17, at the University of San Agustin Gym in Iloilo City, Nxled surpassed that prediction.
“I am not sure [if we could get to] three and four wins. They’re very improved, it’s showing. Actually, they are always trying to improve, trying to get out of the comfort zone, that’s why they made it,” Minowa, a first-time PVL coach, said.
Nxled finished with a 4-7 (win-loss) card tied with veteran team F2 Logistics. Unlike other league newcomers, the Chameleons did not have to wait long for a first franchise win as they triumphed right in their debut against Gerflor. Nxled also defeated sister team Akari and fellow newcomer Galeries.
‘Blessed’
The Foxies ended the All-Filipino with a 2-9 card.
“[The Foxies] have good players and we need to do 120 percent, 100 isn’t enough [for] us against Farm Fresh because they are strong,” the Japanese mentor said. “Our players are still young, [and don’t] have a lot of experience. That’s why we need to make [them] strong.
Cams Victoria fueled the Chameleons after finishing with 17 points on 12 attacks and five blocks. Lycha Ebon added 15 pts on 13 attacks and two aces.
“We all know that coming into this conference, everyone was doubting us [and are saying] ‘Oh they’re just a sister team of Akari,’ but us, we’re so blessed [to be] in a company that takes care of us,” team captain Dani Ravena, who had 19 excellent digs, said. INQ
