Nxled sees light at end of tunnel

MANILA, Philippines — Nxled closed its Premier Volleyball League All-Filipino Conference campaign on a decent note as it turned back a stubborn Farm Fresh, 25-22, 17-25, 25-20, 25-17, yesterday before a loud crowd at the packed University of San Agustin Gym in Iloilo City.

Cams Victoria, who skipped her final eligibility year with Santo Tomas in the UAAP just to plunge into battle in the big stage, showed versatility and unloaded a match-best 17 points, 12 on kills and the rest on blocks, in lifting the Chameleons to a 4-7 record in the conference.

“Sobra thankful kay coach, binigyan niya ako ng opportunity maglaro ng two positions para makatulong sa team,” said the 23-year-old, 6-1 spiker who alternated playing the middle blocker and opposite hitter positions.

Also coming through was Lycha Ebon, who soared like a bird and dropped a 15-point effort while Jhoanna Maraguinot and Chiara Mae Permentilla contributed 12 hits apiece.

It was an effort that drew praises from Nxled’s Japanese coach Taka Minowa.

“Very, very improved,” said Minowa, husband of former Chery Tiggo star Jaja Santiago.

“They’re trying to always improve and get out of their comfort zone,” he added.

The Foxies finished the tournament with a 2-9 slate but not without impressing Minowa himself.

“Actually, they have good players and we need to do 120 percent against them because they’re strong,” he said.