NXLED signed off in the 2024-25 PVL All-Filipino Conference with a rare win against Trisha Tubu-less Farm Fresh, 25-17, 25-17, 25-18, ending its play-in tournament run on a high on Thursday at the Philsports Arena.
With only one quarterfinals spot for the taking, the Chameleons had to settle for second place in Pool B at 1-1 (win-loss) and out of the playoffs after only their second win in 14 matches in the conference.
After falling short in the play-ins, Nxled will enter the draft lottery for the first time along with Farm Fresh, who selected winger Maicah Larroza with the No. 4 pick in the maiden PVL draft last year.
Both teams will be among the top four selections in a draft class that might just feature the biggest names in college volleyball today.
Chiara Permentilla and Krich Macaslang had nine points apiece to lead the Chameleons’ conference-ending win.
EJ Laure, who wrapped up her first conference with Nxled with eight attack points, expects the Chameleons to learn from the struggles and be a more mature and composed unit moving forward.
"Sa (first) experience ko ngayon (with Nxled), parang (kailangan naming) mag-move on agad sa situation at 'wag masyadong mag-dwell para maka-execute agad at makagalaw agad," Laure said.
Head coach Ettore Guidetti added: "Our aim is to rise and our idea is to have the team getting better and better. It was a good signal for us to (show) everyone that we faced every single (team) with the same respect against everyone."
No huge risks
Farm Fresh head coach Benson Bocboc opted not to risk playing Tubu, its leading scorer this conference, in a no-bearing game as she continues to recover from recurring back spasms.
Taking over the Foxies offense in the loss was rookie winger Pierre Abellana with 10 points on nine attacks and one ace.
Veteran spiker Rachel Daquis delivered on both ends for Farm Fresh and was even on the cusp of her first triple-double this conference with nine points, 11 digs and eight receptions.
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