Nxled entered the 2025 Premier Volleyball League Reinforced Conference with high hopes, riding the momentum of a strong preseason and a lineup that seemed ready to make waves.
With rookie standout Lyann De Guzman, captain Chiara Permentilla, and Spanish import Paola Martinez leading the charge, the Chameleons were poised for a breakthrough.
But the season quickly turned into a harsh reality.
Nxled went winless in eight games, leaving players and fans alike grappling with disappointment.
The losses were heavy, and Martinez, often seen in tears after matches, felt the weight of the campaign keenly.
“It’s been really challenging, for sure,” said Martinez.
“We didn’t expect this — not winning any game. It was really hard for the team.”
Yet, amid the heartbreak, Martinez found something meaningful: the bond she forged with her teammates.
(C) PVL Images
Despite doubts from fans and the harsh results, the connection she shared with her team turned the season into a chapter worth remembering.
“I’ve also learned sisterhood here. We have a great team, still, with cohesion even though the results didn’t go our way,” she reflected.
Martinez leaned on her love for the sport and the community around it to carry her through the tough conference, hoping that passion would guide her in her future endeavors.
“The love for volleyball, the community here — it’s been incredible. I’m so thankful for that,” she said.
Some athletes prefer to forget their losses, but not Martinez.
Before parting ways with the Chameleons, she left a final message for her teammates: embrace the sting of defeat, because the pain of these losses can ignite a fire that makes them stronger and sharper for the future.
“I hope that they learn from this, like how you don’t want to feel anymore,” she said.
“There are a lot of things to work on here. I hope this helps the team for the next conference, even without reinforcement, and that they can do it.”
#WATCH: THE LOVE FOR THE SPORT
Paola Martinez is grateful to have experienced Philippine volleyball with Nxled 🏐#ReadMore 👉 https://t.co/wd3MUnQA6z
📹 @jonashdcd /Tiebreaker Times pic.twitter.com/HyCyYepR4s
— Tiebreaker Times (@tiebreakertimes) November 18, 2025
