The Nxled Chameleons snatched the top spot from erstwhile leader Cignal Super Spikers in the PVL All-Filipino Conference.
Coach Ettore Guidetti expected a nip-and-tuck contest between his Nxled squad and erstwhile leader Cignal in their PVL All-Filipino Conference clash Saturday, Feb. 14.
The Chameleons, now reinforced by Petro Gazz stars Brooke Van Sickle, Myla Pablo and MJ Phillips, were holding a 2-0 record behind their foe, the Super Spikers, who were enjoying their early rise to the top with their 3-0 mark.
While Nxled ended up sweeping Cignal, 25-19, 25-22, 27-25, it was not that easy to cross the finish line.
“We just know that every single game we have a big target on our back,” said Guidetti after the match at the Ynares Center in Antipolo.
“Honestly, we expected a very difficult game today, because they are playing really good. They have a very nice beginning of the conference. They have three wins in a row, so we expect to have a tough game. And we had a tough game.”
Already with a 2-0 set lead, the Chameleons ran into a fired-up Super Spikers side in the third frame.
Nxled thus suddenly found itself behind, 4-8, before battling a tight contest against Cignal.
The Super Spikers, bent on forcing the extension, actually put themselves at set point twice, the last at 24-25 when Erika Santos squeezed a hit between the towering Phillips and Pablo.
Van Sickle quickly countered with a down-the-line hit to tie the count, but Cignal refused to give up, battling behind Santos and Gandler, who unfortunately faltered to errors, handing the victory to the Chameleons.
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Setting the tone
Asked what he told his players when Cignal threatened, Guidetti said that it was mostly about guiding his team's playmakers, Djannel Cheng and Jules Tolentino.
“To stay calm and serene, and to try to adjust to the difficult situation,” Guidetti said.
“I have a very frequent conversation with my setters. I try to explain to them what is the best thing to do in that moment. This is something that we coaches can do during the games.”
Tolentino wound up as the Player of the Game after tossing in 19 excellent sets while coming up with two attacks, two blocks and an ace.
Van Sickle produced 14 points she complemented with six digs and nine excellent receptions, while Phillips also came up with 14 all on attacks.
Pablo scored nine points, anchored on three blocks, and added nine excellent receptions.
Rookie Lyann de Guzman continued to hold her own with nine points.
Myla Pablo was also a steady presence, scoring 14 points for the Chameleons, who had to bleed to claim the second and third frames.
Meanwhile, Santos was the lone bright spot for the Super Spikers with her 15 points as Vanie Gandler struggled with just five points after a 25-point, triple-double outing the last time out.
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Like most sportswriters, Jan Ballesteros once dreamed of becoming a professional hooper. But he learned the hard way that it’s not for everyone.
He continues to be involved in the sport he loves, but this time as a member of the PBA Press Corps. Aside from primarily covering the PBA, he is also assigned to cover Gilas Pilipinas.