Pablo finds joy in teammates’ success
VIGAN CITY, Ilocos Sur—For Myla Pablo, Nxled’s first win in the PVL on Tour was also about seeing the other Chameleons make the most of their opportunities.
Pablo delivered 17 points on 12 attacks, four blocks and an ace as Nxled pounced on a depleted Capital1 side, 25-17, 25-23, 25-18, for its first preseason victory on Saturday at Chavit Coliseum here.
But with the tournament’s all-to-play format opening minutes for more players, Pablo was just as pleased to see her teammates get their chances on the floor.
“We’re happy about that because opportunities like this don’t come often,” Pablo said. “We always remind each other that once we’re on the court, we have to give our best and listen to whatever the coaches are telling us.”
Jonah Escamillan backed Pablo with an all-around effort of 13 points, 17 digs and eight excellent receptions. MJ Phillips added seven points, while new setter Gel Cayuna dished out 17 excellent sets.
Wingers Chiara Permentilla, Jovelyn Fernandez and EJ Laure also saw action as the Chameleons continued to play without Brooke Van Sickle because of a shoulder injury.
Developing connection
The victory also gave Nxled a chance to show the progress it made after absorbing a straight-sets loss to Creamline in Ilagan, Isabela, on July 8.
“We’re really happy to get the win because we were able to apply what we’ve been working on in training over the past few days,” Pablo said. “In our first game against Creamline, we committed a lot of errors, so this time we really focused on cutting those down.
“Our coaches just kept reminding us to trust what we’ve practiced and follow the game plan on the court.”
The former league MVP also welcomed her developing connection with Cayuna, one of Nxled’s key offseason additions.
“Gel is really one of the best setters in the PVL,” Pablo said. “At first, all of us had a hard time because we were still building our communication, but now she’s starting to understand the kind of sets each spiker wants. I just keep telling her to be patient, stay calm and not rush things.”
Nxled will try to build on the victory when it faces Galeries Tower next week in Polomolok, South Cotabato.
“We’re excited to play in South Cotabato and see how we’ll perform against Galeries. We all know Galeries is one of the stronger teams in the PVL,” Pablo said. “We hope we can carry over the performance we had here in Ilocos. We just need to stay focused in training under Coach Ettore and keep improving our communication as a team.”
No Capital1 player reached double figures, with Shaya Adorador leading the Solar Spikers with six points, nine digs and eight excellent receptions. Trisha Genesis and Ysa Jimenez chipped in five points apiece as rookie Detdet Pepito’s debut was spoiled.
The Solar Spikers played without Rookie of the Year Bella Belen and former Cignal standouts Erika Santos and Vanie Gandler, who are part of the Alas Pilipinas pool for the Asian Games.
