New PVL team Nxled wins its debut game in the 2023 All-Filipino Conference. –MARLO CUETO/INQUIREr.net
MANILA, Philippines —Nxled made a rousing Premier Volleyball League (PVL) debut after sweeping the new-look Gerflor, 25-18, 25-14. 25-19, in the All-Filipino Conference on Sunday at Smart Araneta Coliseum.
Lycha Ebon and Jho Maraguinot, who were seldom-used players from Akari — the new team’s sister company, came out of their shells giving the Chameleons and Japanese coach Taka Minowa a winning debut.
Ebon led Nxled with 14 points on 12 attacks and two blocks, while Maraguinot delivered 11 points including two blocks to beat Gerflor in just 81 minutes.
“This is my comeback in the PVL because I wasn’t able to play last conference. This is an opportunity for me and ate Jho to play,” said Ebon in Filipino. “I trusted myself because I saw my teammates, coaches, and management trusting me. I did what I had to do. I will continue giving my best every training and every.”
Young setter Kamille Cal, who turned pro after taking a one-year residency with University of the Philippines, had nine excellent sets, as Krich Macaslang and May Luna chipped in seven points each. Judith Abil debuted with six points and seven digs.
Nxled coach Taka Mimowa. –MARLO CUETO/INQUIRER.net
Minowa, who is also the husband of Jaja Santiago, was pleased with their debut win.
“As a Nxled coach, today’s target is everyone playing inside the court and we did it. In this week, we more focus on blocking, and more catching and kill point and also defense,” said the debuting PVL coach. “Today we had a good stop. We had broken the opponent’s side out system. We got a lot of breakpoints. That’s a good point in this match.”
New Gerflor coach Sammy Acaylar got a rude welcome in his pro debut with no Defender scoring in double figures.
Jenny Gaviola carried Gerflor with nine points off six attacks, two blocks, and an ace.
Nxled eyes its second win against F2 Logistics on October 24 at Ynares Antipolo, while Gerflor seeks to bounce back against Petro Gazz on October 21 in Batangas.