Riding the momentum of an emphatic bounce-back victory, Nxled heads into its next PVL On Tour assignment with renewed confidence as it takes on Galeries Tower on Saturday (Aug. 1) 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.
Fresh off a commanding 25-17, 25-23, 25-18 sweep of the undermanned Capital1 Solar Spikers in Vigan, the Chameleons have seemingly rediscovered their rhythm after opening the exhibition tournament with a four-set loss to the Creamline Cool Smashers in Ilagan City last July 8.
Nxled enters the match as the betting favorite according to Casino Plus sportsbook, carrying 1.52 moneyline odds against Galeries Tower’s 2.37.
Bets can be placed here: https://www.casinoplus.com.ph/home/inGame?name=Volleyball&title=SportBet.
For head coach Ettore Guidetti, however, the biggest takeaway from the victory was not just the result but the way his team performed.
“I honestly think we really enjoyed playing,” said Guidetti. “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.
He also noted, “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.”
The convincing win further raised expectations for a talent-laden Nxled squad eager to make a deeper impression ahead of the regular season in October.
Although the On Tour, organized by Sports Vision, serves as a preseason buildup, Guidetti stressed that his team refuses to treat the competition as a series of exhibition matches.
“We don’t feel it’s an exhibition,” stressed the Italian mentor. “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.”
That mindset, he believes, should be shared by every team in the tournament regardless of roster limitations. While clubs like Capital1 are missing several key players due to national team duties, every match remains an opportunity to build a winning culture.
Against Galeries Tower, Nxled will once again rely on its depth, with Guidetti enjoying the luxury of fielding multiple players capable of filling starting roles.
The veteran coach said constantly rotating his lineup is part of a deliberate system designed to prepare the team for the long season ahead.
“I always use the same approach in practice,” he said. “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.”
Central to that philosophy is establishing strong chemistry between every player and the team’s setters.
“The setter is one of the most important positions,” said Guidetti. “She’s basically the coach on the floor, so building that connection with everyone is extremely important.”
That is an area where Galeries Tower has shown promise.
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. The team stunned 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.
Still, the Highrisers face a much sterner test against the seasoned Chameleons, who appear to be settling into Guidetti’s system.
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First serve is set for 4:00 PM, followed by the featured match between Akari and Choco Mucho at 6:30 PM.
Akari is looking to bounce back after dropping its opening match to the unbeaten ZUS Coffee in Isabela while continuing to adjust to an overhauled roster.
The Chargers still boast Ivy Lacsina, Eli Soyud, Faith Nisperos, Tin Tiamzon, and Chenie Tagaod. Meanwhile, Grethcel Soltones made a successful transition to libero, finishing with 14 excellent digs in her first match at the position.
Choco Mucho, meanwhile, is hoping to snap a two-match losing streak. The Flying Titans have been hampered by the absence of national team standouts Eya Laure, Dawn Catindig, and Sisi Rondina, while Kat Tolentino continues to recover from surgery.
Despite those setbacks, Choco Mucho showed plenty of grit in its hard-fought loss to a full-strength PLDT squad. Now, it hopes to carry that same resilience into its showdown with Akari as it seeks its first victory of the tournament.
