PVL: Nxled breathes fire into campaign after ousting Strong Group

Nxled Chameleons’ Ivy Lacsina in the PVL All-Filipino Conference. –PVL PHOTO

Nxled kept its slim chance of reaching the PVL All-Filipino Conference semifinals alive after eliminating Strong Group, 25-16, 25-16, 25-15, on Thursday at PhilSports Arena.

Ivy Lacsina continued her excellent play for the Chameleons after coming up with 16 points from 15 attacks and an ace to help Nxled to its second win in seven games.

“Masaya ako na ganun yung performance, pero syempre marami pa kaming makakalaban na malalakas,” Lacsina said. “So mas magma-matter sakin is manalo yung team namin ngayon and sa mga susunod po na games.”

SCHEDULE: PVL All-Filipino Conference 2024

Jho Maraguinot had her hand in the victory after contributing 12 points on nine kills, two blocks and an ace as well as eight digs while Cams Victoria dropped 10 points.

But Nxled coach Taka Minowa still wants to see more from the former Ateneo cog.

“My expectations are really high for Jho [Maraguinot],’ Minowa said. “As a mature player and good passer, so far, it’s still not enough for me, her condition and performance.

READ: PVL: Ivy Lacsina lights up Galeries, powers Nxled to first win

“She’s acting also same as last conference. She needs to be more mature, she needs to keep on working.”

Nxled outplayed the Athletics in virtually all aspects of the game after a 46-25 attack advantage, 6-1 block edge, two more aces, 34-26 lead on digs and 17-8 upper hand on sets.

Lacsina, who is regaining her top form after recovering from a knee injury early in the conference, is emerging to be a leader among the Chameleons inside and outside the court.

“Every game namin, lalo na ako shy type ako (laughs), so noong una talaga naninibago ako mag lead, mag salita pero ngayon natutunan ko na siya dahil sa tulong ng teammates ko,” she said.

“So madadala ko ‘yun sa mga susunod na games and kailangan ko rin matutunan na maging consistent,” she added.

Dolly Versoza’s 12 points was not enough to lift Strong Group which dropped its sixth consecutive loss in its maiden conference.

The Chameleons did not give the Athletics a fighting chance anymore in the final frame as they rushed to a 14-7 lead.

Strong Group failed to found an answer to the trio of Lacsina, Victoria and Maraguinot down the stretch even as both teams had 20 total errors each.

The former F2 Logistics stalwart brought her new team to match point before hammering the game-winning score.

Nxled still has four games left in its calendar starting with Farm Fresh on Tuesday at PhilSports Arena before facing powerful Creamline, Capital 1, and Brooke van Sickle fueled Petro Gazz.

“Babalik lang kami sa basics at ‘yung sistema ni coach Taka kasi mas alam niya kung papaano kami dapat gumalaw. So, kailangan lang po namin maging as one para matapos po namin ‘tong season na mas strong kesa sa last conference,” Lacsina said.