Nxled head coach Ettore Guidetti is keeping his fingers crossed that Jonah Sabete-Escamillan did not sustain a serious injury following the Chameleons’ semifinals-clinching victory over Akari in the 2026 Premier Volleyball League All-Filipino Conference on Thursday.
Guidetti described the victory as one of the saddest wins of his career after Sabete was stretchered off the court with an apparent left leg injury midway through the third set.
The 32-year-old landed awkwardly after attempting an attack with the Chameleons trailing, 14-16. However, her teammates rallied in her absence to overcome the deficit and complete a 27-25, 25-22, 26-24 sweep of the Chargers, securing their place in the semifinals.
“This is probably one of the saddest wins that I’ve ever had in my career,” said Guidetti during the post-match press conference.
The Italian coach shared that the initial tests conducted by the team’s physical therapists yielded negative results, raising hopes that Sabete had avoided a serious injury.
However, he stressed that the team would still conduct further medical examinations in the coming days to determine the extent of her injury.
“So, the tests and the PTs I’ve done with Jonah, they all look negative. So, we have big hope that it’s nothing serious. This is why we are smiling a little more,” said Guidetti.
“So, it looks like it’s nothing serious. We keep our fingers crossed, we pray, and then we will have a medical investigation in the next few days to be 100% sure, and not only because of the negative tests that we have done.”
Sabete finished with six points before being forced out of the match, while EJ Cariño, who took her place, chipped in nine markers.
Nxled will next face Creamline on Tuesday at 6 p.m. at the SM Mall of Asia Arena, with Guidetti hoping Sabete recovers in time as the Chameleons pursue the first twice-to-beat incentive in the semifinals.
