The Nxled Chameleons celebrate during a PVL on Tour preseason match against Choco Mucho in Batangas.–PVL PHOTO
MANILA, Philippines — Nxled has been the biggest preseason surprise so far after taking down two contender teams in the PVL on Tour in Batangas for the early lead in Pool A.
The Chameleons’ drop to fourth in this year’s draft, where they selected Lyann de Guzman, despite having the best lottery odds, turned out to be a blessing in disguise.
READ: PVL: Lyann de Guzman strikes again as Nxled beats Choco Mucho
De Guzman impressed in her first two games for Nxled after a record-setting 21-point debut in a five-set stunner of All-Filipino champion Petro Gazz on Saturday, followed by a 24-point outburst a day later to topple Choco Mucho in four sets at Batangas City Sports Center.
More than the arrival of de Guzman, Chiara Permentilla believes the Chameleons are now reaping the fruits of the solid system and culture established by Italian coach Ettore Guidetti.
“It’s a big factor that coach stayed with us because we just went through the system again, and it’s really about trusting the process,” said the Batangas native in Filipino after delivering 19 points and 19 excellent receptions.
“The team has been through a lot of changes and challenges together, but day by day, game after game, we’re gaining confidence and we’re able to apply what we do in practice. It also helps so much that coach is always there to guide us.”
The Chameleons had a revolving door of coaches with Taka Minowa handling the team’s debut in the 2023 second All-Filipino and 2024 All-Filipino before Chinese tactician Chen Gang called the shots in last year’s Reinforced and appointed Guidetti at the helm in the recent All-Filipino.
READ: PVL: Lyann de Guzman shows why she’s Nxled’s top choice
Nxled rookie Lyann de Guzman and coach Ettore Guidetti during a PVL preseason match against Choco Mucho in Batangas.–PVL PHOTO
“We decided not to change anything. So we continue with the same philosophy. And so the system is the same. The girls are developing day by day. I feel a total trust. Not only me but in the technical staff and the girls, when they watch themselves,” said Guidetti.
“I don’t really care about winning and losing. I have a long career. I won a lot. I lose a lot. I just really want to win with you girls. So, that’s what I really need and really aim.”
After winning just two of their 14 games in the All-Filipino, Nxled kicked off the preseason with two big franchise wins with newcomer Jov Fernandez also delivering the goods.
“Definitely a confidence-booster, because winning, it took a lot of time, it took a lot of effort, it took a lot of hard work for us to finally win,” said Permentilla.
“It feels amazing to win. So this is what it feels like to win, and we’ll keep working harder so we can show even better performances in our next games.”
READ: PVL: Nxled’s Chiara Permentilla relishes Italian connection with new coach
The 27-year-old Permentilla was inspired to play in her hometown in front of her relatives as she also stepped up against Petro Gazz, scoring the last four points in the fifth set.
“Of course, I felt inspired because my relatives were here, so we really wanted to showcase our talent and what Nxled can do. We were so excited to play,” she said.
“It’s very important because the PVL gets to reach so many cities with different cultures. This time, we’re the ones making the effort to go to the fans so they can see us in person. We’re the ones traveling, so they don’t have to go far just to watch us. I think it’s a very good gesture from the PVL to do this. I hope we can visit all the cities in the Philippines.”
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Permentilla and the Chameleons seek to continue their winning ways against Galeries (0-2) on July 15 at FilOil EcoOil Centre in San Juan City.
