The Nxled Chameleons had themselves a smashing PVL debut, drubbing fellow expansion club Gerflor Defenders in straight sets, 25-18, 25-14, 25-19, in the opening game of the league’s Second All-Filipino Conference held at the Smart Araneta Coliseum on Sunday.
Leading the way for Nxled was the comebacking Lycha Ebon, who finished with a team-high 14 points built on 12 attacks and two blocks.
Of course, nothing about this performance should come as a surprise, as Ebon had been one of the country’s more dynamic opposite hitters in recent memory, combining high-flying athleticism and undeniable volleyball talent. That is, until she was derailed by a knee injury.
And now, given the opportunity to play at the highest level again, Ebon is all about repaying the trust being given to her—by her teammates, her coaches, and the Nxled management.
“Nag-trust ako sa self ko, kasi nakikita ko ‘yung mga teammates ko and mga coaches ko, grabe ‘yung trust na binibigay nila sa ‘kin,” Ebon told the media after the match. “Kaya binubuhos ko lang ‘yung best ko every training and every game.”
One person, in particular, who has absolute trust in the young spiker is none other than Nxled coach Taka Minowa, whose hands-on teaching is sure to help Ebon and the rest of the Chameleons.
“She’s getting better,” Minowa said of Ebon. “Maybe after this competition, she’ll be one of the more famous opposite hitters of the Philippines.”
That is certainly high praise for a coach whom fans think is a perfect fit for the young Chameleons, who will take a nine-day respite before they take on the highly fancied F2 Logistics Cargo Movers.
And if Ebon and her teammates continue to get better, they just might have a chance against the perennial PVL powerhouse when they meet on October 24 at the Ynares Center in Antipolo.
(With reports from Mei-Lin Lozada, One Sports Digital)