Games on Thursday
(Smart Araneta Coliseum)
1 p.m. – Akari vs Nxled (PVL)
3:30 p.m. – FEU DN Steel vs AFP (Spikers’ Turf)
6 p.m. – Creamline vs Choco Mucho (PVL)
THE Nxled Chameleons have emerged as the team to beat in the PVL All-Filipino Conference Siklab Series.
And it was because of the ability of the players to understand their coach Ettore Guidetti in just a few words.
“I really think that now, the girls are really good at doing what I’m asking them to do,” said the Italian bench tactician, whose charges clash with the resurging Akari Chargers on Thursday at the Smart Araneta Coliseum in a key elimination round duel at 1 p.m.
“So they know what I want, they don’t need a long speech or something like this. In two words, we organize our block and defense, and, at the same time, our block tactic,” he added.
That same wavelength between Mr. Guidetti and the Chameleons have paid dividends as Nxled remained unbeaten in five starts and in strong contention of eclipsing its runner-up finish in the Invitational early this year and producing, if the stars align, its breakthrough championship in the league.
A win over Akari would seal Nxled the first semifinal seat and push the latter closer to that lofty goal.
But expect the Chargers, who are coming off an epic five-set win over the Choco Mucho Flying Titans last Saturday to improve to 3-3, to give the Chameleons a run for their meaning while boosting the former’s own semis chances.
Also lined up the same day is the 6 p.m. showdown between sibling rivals Creamline (4-1) and Choco Mucho (3-3). — Joey Villar