Veteran leader Aby Maraño urged a quick and intentional response as the Nxled Chameleons reset after their first loss in the 2026 PVL All-Filipino Conference.
Nxled received a rude awakening in the 2026 PVL All-Filipino Conference, and for veteran Aby Maraño, the setback was a lesson worth learning early.
The Chameleons absorbed their first loss of the conference after bowing to the Galeries Tower Highrisers in four sets on Tuesday night at the FilOil Centre in San Juan.
Coming in as the favorites to win the match, Marano described the loss as a necessary wake-up call for a team with high expectations.
"Wake-up call siya for the team, and we're taking this as a big lesson for everyone," Maraño told reporters after the match.
"I think it's good na nangyari na siya early on this part of the conference, so we'll know what area 'yung mga kailangan pa naming i-improve as a team."
Bouncing back from defeat
As one of the Chameleons’ most experienced voices, the 33-year-old middle blocker said the focus inside the locker room quickly shifted from disappointment to response.
"Sabi ko sa kanila we have to take this as a lesson and a challenge," she shared. "Although mataas talaga 'yung expectation sa team, it's not all the time that you get your A game."
"What's important is how are we going to get back up from the loss. So the next day, bawi agad—not in the next game, but in the next training day. Be intentional, quality all the time, give extra effort to improve."
Aby Maraño and the Nxled Chameleons look to reset after their first loss. | Photo: RM Chua/One Sports
Despite the defeat, Maraño posted her best outing since joining Nxled during the offseason, finishing with five points and bringing her iconic swag on the court.
"Before ako napunta dito sa Nxled, isa talaga sa mga gusto kong mangyari is ma-build ko 'yung confidence ko ulit," Maraño said.
"So ito siguro yung breakthrough ko, na at least kahit papano na-express ko ulit kung ano 'yung mga hindi nakikita lagi ng mga tao."
Even with a deep and talented roster, Maraño said she is ready to contribute in any role asked of her.
"Pag pinasok ako, gusto ko quality minutes," she added "I don't mind kung anong set ako ipasok, basta all out lang talaga ako palagi."
Nxled aims to get back on track when it faces its sister team, the Akari Chargers, on Tuesday, February 24.
—
Kiko Demigillo’s journey in sports storytelling began with a deep passion for games and athletes, which eventually grew into a full-fledged career.
Now a dedicated sportswriter, Kiko covers a wide range of beats for One Sports, including the PVL, UAAP, PBA, and various international tournaments.