NXLED is putting all its focus on its development ahead of the Reinforced Conference to sustain the team’s gains from its breakthrough quarterfinals appearance during the preseason in the PVL on Tour.
Hoping to continue closing the gap and solidify their status as one of the league playoff contenders, the Chameleons had put a premium on developing their chemistry and cohesion during the offseason.
NXLED went to Vietnam and played games against other professional teams – even winning second in the tournament in Saigon to ensure their readiness for the upcoming season.
“Nagfocus talaga kami sa chemistry, since yun nga may mga important. And of course, very big help din doon yung naging training camp namin sa Vietnam,“ said NXLED rising star Lyann De Guzman.
“Sobrang na-build up yung pag-jelling namin sa team, kung yung magagalawan ng isa’t isa,“ added the 23-year-old outside hitter who is joining the likes of EJ Laure, Chiara Permentilla, Lycha Ebon and Jovelyn Fernandez under Italian coach Etorre Guidetti.
The Chameleons are coming off their best finish in the league — when they reached the quarterfinals in the recently concluded PVL on Tour — their first playoffs appearance since joining the league in 2023.
Understanding full well the gravity of the breakthrough run, De Guzman said the Chameleons aren’t putting much pressure on themselves although they are optimistic on keeping the momentum to the new conference.
“Siguro for me, wag namin masyadong isipin na kailangan namin manalo, reach agad yung top level na yan. Siguro, pakonti-konti pa rin. We know what to do na since we know kung yung pinakalimit namin, kung yung kaya namin abutin sa team,“ said De Guzman.
“Of course, binuild up din namin kung ano ung kailangan namin improve sa bawat isa and as a team. One game at a time pa rin kasi everyone wants naman na ma-reach yung championship na yan, yung finals. Wag din namin ipressure yung self namin kasi of course, everyone is working hard din,“ she added.
