NXLED continued to cling to its slim chances in the 2023 Premier Volleyball League Second All-Filipino Conference by securing its second consecutive win on Thursday.
After the Chameleons took care of business against their sister team Akari last Tuesday, they went on to defeat Galeries in straight sets on Thursday.
The win brings NXLED’s record to 3-5.
They look to extend their winning streak next Thursday when they face the still-undefeated Creamline at the Philsports Arena.
Despite being the underdogs, NXLED head coach Taka Minowa is confident and has a few tricks up his sleeve, thanks to his familiarity with some of the Cool Smashers’ players.
“We need to prepare well, but I have experience from last year. The Philippine national team is Creamline, so I know some of the players better,” said Minowa after their 25-22, 25-18, 25-17 victory over the Highrisers at the Filoil EcoOil Centre.
In 2022, Creamline represented the Philippines in the AVC Cup for Women held at Philsports due to a last-minute withdrawal of National University players, who were then training under the national team program.
The Cool Smashers finished in sixth place, marking the highest placement for the Philippines in such an event.
Minowa was part of Japan’s delegation during that time as an assistant coach, allowing him to take notes on opposing teams. Although the Philippines and Japan never faced each other, Minowa had opportunities to watch Creamline play as the national team.
“Creamline players, I know some of them. That’s why I want to make it a hard time for them,” said the first-time coach in the PVL.
With back-to-back wins under their belt, Minowa has challenged his team to give Creamline a run for its money. The Cool Smashers, with a 6-0 record, will play on Saturday in Cagayan de Oro City against PLDT, which holds a 5-2 record.
“Let’s consider today’s game as a ‘must-win.’ Creamline is our challenging game. We’ve won back-to-back, so we need to prepare well,” Minowa emphasized.
