NXLED made short work of Gerflor, 25-18, 25-14, 25-19, for a winning start in the Premier Volleyball League Second All-Filipino Conference at the Smart Araneta Coliseum.

Japanese coach Taka Minowa hopes that the straight-set romp will boost the Chameleons, parading a mix of seasoned campaigners and rising stars, in their debut conference.

“Our target is everyone playing inside the court and we did it. We also focused on blocking and more catching and kill points,” said Minowa, husband of former league MVP Jaja Santiago after hurdling his first PVL game.

Given the chance to shine, Lycha Ebon seized the moment led Nxled with 14 points, including two blocks, while Jho Maraguinot also had two blocks for a 11-point outing to go along with six receptions.

Krisch Macaslang and May Luna chipped in seven points apiece while the returning Judith Abil scored seven points, including two service aces, and collected seven digs for the Chameleons.

“We had good stops. We had broken the opponent’s side-out system,” said Minowa. “We got a lot of break points and that’s a good point in this match.”

Jenny Gaviola took the scoring mantle for the revamped Defenders with nine points, including two blocks, while Danika Gendrauli finished with seven points. Gerflor libero-captain Pia Sarmiento logged 13 digs and 11 receptions.

After a long break, Nxled will have its first major test, in F2 Logistics on October 24 at the Ynares Center in Antipolo.

AUTHOR PROFILE

Theodore P. Jurado