Ivy Lacsina makes her debut for Nxled Chameleons in the PVL All-Filipino Conference. –MARLO CUETO/INQUIRER.net
MANILA, Philippines — Although she was expecting to be sidelined until March due to a right knee sprain, Ivy Lacsina made a surprise debut in the Nxled Chameleons’ first 2024 PVL All-Filipino Conference game.
Lacsina came off the bench in the second set and delivered points but Choco Mucho proved too strong as her debut for Nxled was spoiled with a 12-25, 22-25, 18-25 loss on Thursday at FilOil EcoOil Centre in San Juan City.
The 6-foot-1 outside spiker said her recovery progress was faster than expected but she remains still cautious with her on-court movements.
SCHEDULE: PVL All-Filipino Conference 2024
“My knee is doing okay. I said in the interview that [my debut] would depend on the progress, but I’m still cautious. I told coach earlier that if they needed me, I’m willing to risk it,” Lacsina told reporters, referring to the minor knee injury she sustained during practice.
Lacsina said she’s somehow satisfied with her first game with Nxled but she knows there’s still a lot more to work on.
Ivy Lacsina on her Nxled debut. #PVL2024 | @LanceAgcaoilINQ pic.twitter.com/XVTSo0lczi
— INQUIRER Sports (@INQUIRERSports) February 23, 2024
“I guess my mindset was I really wanted to step up for the team. We’re young, so there’s someone who needs to be the leader. That’s why although I’m not able to attack today, since I can feel that my timing is still off, I can still contribute with my passing.”
Losing to Choco Mucho in straight sets was a good lesson for Lacsina and the Chameleons as they try to bounce back against PLDT on Tuesday next week at Philsports Arena.
READ: PVL: Ivy Lacsina ready to take Nxled–and herself–to next level
“I guess it’s a good thing that we faced Choco Mucho in our first game. We know what they’re capable of being in the finals last conference,” Lacsina said.
“Their bench is strong, but we’re able to see what we need to improve on in training after this game. Like what coach said, we need to show what we’ve been training for and we weren’t able to do that earlier. At least know we know.”
The former National University stalwart is grateful to represent Nxled after the disbandment of F2 Logistics and she’s eager to get to know her teammates more.
“I was able to know [my teammates] more. I figured out how to adapt to them,” Lacsina said. “I’m happy we’re finally able to adjust to each other and we really feel that we’re welcome here at Nxled.”