Polomolok: Nxled seeks to maintain its winning form against Galeries Tower at 4 p.m. in the PVL On Tour on Saturday in Polomolok, South Cotabato. After stops in Isabela, Batangas and Ilocos Sur, the league's preseason tour shifts to the country's most populous municipality outside Luzon, where volleyball continues to enjoy a passionate following.
According to Philippines News Agency, the Chameleons are coming off a 25-17, 25-23, 25-18 victory over the undermanned Capital1 Solar Spikers in Vigan. Head coach Ettore Guidetti expressed satisfaction with the team's performance, emphasizing the importance of their defensive efforts and teamwork. "I honestly think we really enjoyed playing. Despite a few interruptions because of the format, we reacted very well every time. I was happy that everybody got the chance to play because all of my players are capable. What pleased me the most was our defense. It was outstanding, and I think the crowd also appreciated how hard we fought for every ball," Guidetti said in a news release Friday.
Although the PVL On Tour, organized by Sports Vision, serves as a preseason buildup, Guidetti stressed that his team refuses to approach the competition as a series of exhibition matches. "We don't feel it's an exhibition. The players put pressure on themselves, and we're trying to win every single game. That's the truth. For us, the exhibition is about playing at our highest level," the Italian mentor stated.
Against Galeries Tower, Nxled will once again rely on its depth, with Guidetti enjoying the luxury of fielding multiple players capable of earning starting roles. "I always use the same approach in practice. We never have the same starting six twice in a week. It helps us create quality scrimmages and develop chemistry among everyone. During a long conference, anything can happen. You don't want to be in a situation where a middle blocker suddenly has to play with the starters without ever having built that connection. That's how I coach this team," he said.
The Highrisers are anchored by veteran playmaker Jules Coronel while top rookie pick Lams Lamina impressed in her professional debut after coming off the bench to orchestrate the offense with seven excellent sets. Galeries Tower also opened its campaign on a high note, stunning preseason favorite Farm Fresh in four sets in Batangas behind the efforts of Erika Deloria, Jean Asis, Aiza Pontillas, Erika Raagas, Roselle Baliton, Lycha Ebon and Jade Gentapa.
Meanwhile, Akari and Choco Mucho battle at 6:30 p.m.
