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Tag: Ettore Guidetti

  • Nxled coach Ettore Guidetti says Irah Jaboneta is living up to draft expectations

    Nxled coach Ettore Guidetti says Irah Jaboneta is living up to draft expectations

    The Nxled Chameleons have enjoyed an impressive start to the 2026 Premier Volleyball League (PVL) On Tour preseason, winning two of their first three matches to sit second in the standings and build early momentum ahead of the new campaign.

     

    A major factor behind Nxled’s encouraging performances has been the emergence of rookie libero Irah Jaboneta, who has wasted little time proving why the franchise selected her with the fifth overall pick in this year’s PVL Rookie Draft.

     

    The former University of the Philippines standout has provided stability to the Chameleons’ backcourt with her consistent floor defense and reliable reception. Jaboneta recorded nine excellent digs in Nxled’s convincing 25-17, 25-23, 25-18 victory over the Capital1 Solar Spikers in Vigan City, Ilocos Sur on July 25 before following it up with another impressive display against the Galeries Tower Highrisers in Polomolok, South Cotabato on August 1. In that straight-sets win, she finished with 12 excellent receptions and six excellent digs, once again anchoring the team’s defensive effort.

     

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    Her performances have not gone unnoticed, with Nxled head coach Ettore Guidetti expressing his satisfaction over the team’s decision to make Jaboneta its first selection in the rookie draft.

     

    “Well, I have to say that she is confirming all my expectations about my first pick in the draft. She’s playing great, she’s absolutely a person fully focused on volleyball. I’m blessed every single day of the choice I made. I love the way she is, not only as a consistent libero but as a person. She’s really into the team, everybody trusts her,” Guidetti said during a media interaction.

    For Jaboneta, the seamless transition into professional volleyball has been made possible by the support she has received from her teammates, who have helped her settle into a new environment both on and off the court.

     

    “Makikita naman po kung gaano ako nag-e-enjoy sa court. Ganun din outside the court. Kasi ‘yung energy or ‘yung tiwala nila, nadadala ko po sa loob ng court. Nung una, nahihirapan din po talaga ako sa adjustments ko. Kasi syempre po, kinikilala ko pa po sila inside and outside the court. Parang nahihiya pa ako, naiilang pa ako, pero mas nagiging comfortable na po ako,” Jaboneta said.

     

    Although she has made an immediate impact, the 26-year-old believes she is only beginning to unlock her potential after converting from outside hitter to libero.

     

    She admitted that embracing her new role remains a work in progress, stressing that consistency and fully committing to the responsibilities of a libero are among her biggest priorities moving forward.

     

    “Consistency po talaga and dapat i-own ko po ‘yung role ko. Syempre po converted ako, kailangan wala na ‘yung mindset na papalo, kailangan kung ano ‘yung trabaho, gawin. So marami pa akong kailangang i-trabaho po kasi iba-iba po ‘yung kalaban namin, iba iba ‘yung kakahayaan nila as spikers, as players, so every game po kailangan paghandaan talaga. ‘Yun ‘yung challenge sa’kin as libero,” she explained.

     

    Jaboneta’s rapid development has been an encouraging sign for a Nxled side looking to establish itself as one of the league’s rising contenders. With the rookie continuing to grow in confidence and earning the trust of both her coaching staff and teammates, the Chameleons appear to have found a dependable presence in the back row for years to come.

     

    Nxled will look to continue its strong preseason form when it takes on the Farm Fresh Foxies on August 15 in Lanao del Norte, with Jaboneta expected to once again play a pivotal role in the Chameleons’ defensive setup.

     

     

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  • Nxled suffers major blow as Brooke Van Sickle misses PVL On Tour preseason due to shoulder injury

    Nxled suffers major blow as Brooke Van Sickle misses PVL On Tour preseason due to shoulder injury

    The Nxled Chameleons have been dealt a significant setback in their preparations for the 2026 Premier Volleyball League (PVL) On Tour preseason after star player Brooke Van Sickle was ruled out for the entire conference due to a shoulder injury.

     

    The three-time PVL Most Valuable Player will miss the preseason tournament as she continues her recovery from a minor right shoulder tear, leaving Nxled without one of the league’s most impactful all-around players during their campaign.

     

    Chameleon’s head coach Ettore Guidetti confirmed Van Sickle’s absence during a media interaction, explaining that the team has decided to prioritize the long-term health of their franchise player rather than risk further aggravating the injury.

     

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    According to Guidetti, Van Sickle is expected to make her return in the next conference, giving the team confidence that the setback will only be temporary.

     

    “We have an almost complete team. Only Brooke Van Sickle is out. She is dealing with a minor tear on her shoulder but will return for the next conference,” Guidetti said.

     

    While the injury is considered minor, Nxled’s decision reflects the importance of having Van Sickle fully healthy for the more competitive stages of the PVL season. The team is taking a cautious approach with one of the league’s most valuable performers, especially given her importance to both their offensive production and defensive stability.

     

    Van Sickle’s absence is a considerable challenge for Nxled, as the 28-year-old has established herself as one of the most complete players in the PVL. Her ability to contribute in multiple areas of the game—including attacking, receiving, serving, and defending—has made her one of the most reliable players in the league.

    The American-Filipino standout entered the PVL in January 2024 after signing with the Petro Gazz Angels and immediately made an impact. Her performances helped the franchise achieve success, playing a key role in Petro Gazz’s championship campaigns in the 2024-25 All-Filipino Conference and the 2025 Reinforced Conference.

     

    Beyond team success, Van Sickle has also built an impressive individual résumé. She has collected three PVL Most Valuable Player awards, earning recognition as the league’s Best Player during the 2024 All-Filipino Conference, the 2024-25 All-Filipino Conference, and the 2025 Reinforced Conference.

     

    She has also been recognized among the league’s elite outside hitters, securing Best Outside Hitter honors in the 2024 and 2025 Reinforced Conferences. Her consistency, leadership, and ability to perform in high-pressure situations have made her a centerpiece of every team she has represented, making her absence a major storyline heading into Nxled’s preseason campaign.

     

    Although losing Van Sickle is a difficult blow, her absence provides an opportunity for Nxled’s other players to step into bigger roles and showcase their abilities. The preseason tournament will allow the Chameleons’ coaching staff to evaluate their roster depth, assess new additions, and determine which players can provide valuable contributions once the regular season begins.

     

    Without their star player on the floor, Nxled will be challenged to find new sources of offense and establish stronger team chemistry. The situation also gives younger players and emerging talents a chance to gain valuable experience against some of the league’s top teams.

    Early test against Creamline

     

    The impact of Van Sickle’s absence was immediately noticeable in Nxled’s opening match of the PVL On Tour preseason. The Chameleons struggled against the defending powerhouse Creamline Cool Smashers, falling in straight sets after a competitive start. Nxled suffered a 25-16, 25-23, 16-25, 15-19 defeat on Wednesday, July 8, at Ilagan City in Isabela.

     

    Despite the result, the preseason provides Nxled with an important opportunity to experiment with their lineup and build confidence ahead of future competitions.

     

    The Chameleons will look to bounce back and secure their first victory of the tournament when they face the Capital1 Solar Spikers on Saturday, July 25, in Vigan City, Ilocos Sur.

     

    As Nxled continues its preseason journey without Van Sickle, the focus will be on how the team responds to adversity and whether its supporting cast can rise to the challenge until its star player returns.

     

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  • Ettore Guidetti points to Petro Gazz blueprint as Nxled navigates rough patch in PVL

    Ettore Guidetti points to Petro Gazz blueprint as Nxled navigates rough patch in PVL

    The Nxled Chameleons opened their 2026 Premier Volleyball League All-Filipino Conference campaign in impressive fashion, racing to three straight victories and positioning themselves as one of the early contenders in the tournament.

     

    However, momentum has stalled in recent days after the Chameleons absorbed back-to-back defeats, the latest a four-set setback at the hands of the Akari Chargers, 25-18, 25-23, 23-25, 25-22, at the FilOil EcoOil Centre on Tuesday, February 24.

     

    Despite the dip in form, head coach Ettore Guidetti remains composed, choosing perspective over panic as the tournament enters a critical stretch.

     

    “I consider the game against Galeries a mistake. This one is not a mistake. This one, we played our volleyball – but not at our best. And honestly, Akari played a very, very, very good game,” Guidetti said after the match.

     

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    The Italian tactician acknowledged that consecutive losses inevitably bring added scrutiny and pressure, especially in a tightly contested conference where every win carries weight in the race for playoff seeding. Still, Guidetti stressed that the situation is far from dire and pointed to recent league history as proof that early setbacks do not necessarily define a team’s ceiling.

     

    “Yes, sure, there is pressure. But I don’t think that is a mental problem. In this moment, we have to focus on playing good together and being ready to play our best in the final part. We don’t have to forget that the Petro Gazz Angels are not famous for winning every single game. Last season, for example, they lost four games, but they arrived to win the Final,” he added.

     

    Guidetti’s comparison is rooted in fact. During the 2025 All-Filipino Conference, Petro Gazz entered the playoff phase as the sixth seed — hardly the profile of a favorite — yet surged at the right time and eventually captured the championship. Their run underscored the importance of peaking late rather than dominating the elimination round.

    For Nxled, the challenge now is rediscovering the cohesion and sharp execution that defined their early victories. Against Akari, the Chameleons showed flashes of resilience, particularly in the third set where they extended the match, but struggled to sustain consistency in key stretches. Service pressure and defensive discipline — hallmarks of their opening wins — wavered at crucial moments.

     

    Guidetti, however, remains unwavering in his belief in the roster he has assembled. With new additions bolstering depth and internal competition in training, he sees the current adversity as an opportunity for growth rather than a red flag.

     

    “I know that they can do it. With the addition of very good players in Nxled, we have the possibility to train better. We just have to train a little better and be ready, because it looks like everybody is playing really, really good against us.

     

    “We know if we play to our standard, we can beat basically anyone. But if we don’t, we can lose like anyone else – because this is volleyball,” Guidetti concluded.

     

    Currently sitting fourth in the standings, Nxled remain firmly in the mix as the conference heads toward its decisive phase. With parity across the league and contenders trading blows weekly, the margin for error remains slim — but so does the gap between teams.

     

    The Chameleons will look to halt their slide and regain momentum when they take on the Choco Mucho Flying Titans on Tuesday, March 3, once again at the FilOil EcoOil Centre. The matchup presents both a test and an opportunity: a chance to steady their campaign, reaffirm their identity, and prove that their early-season promise was no fluke.

     

    If Guidetti’s faith proves well-placed, Nxled’s recent losses may ultimately serve as the spark that sharpens them for a deeper postseason push.

     

     

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  • “A real pleasure to coach”: Ettore Guidetti praises Lyann de Guzman after Nxled’s second win

    “A real pleasure to coach”: Ettore Guidetti praises Lyann de Guzman after Nxled’s second win

    The Nxled Chameleons continued to show why they are widely regarded as the early favorites in the ongoing 2026 Premier Volleyball League (PVL) All-Filipino Conference after dismantling the Capital1 Solar Spikers in straight sets, 25-18, 28-26, 25-21, at the Ynares Center in Montalban on Saturday, February 7.

     

    Nxled displayed poise and balance throughout the contest, controlling the tempo in the opening set before surviving a tight second frame and closing strong in the third to seal their second consecutive victory in the conference. The win further underscored the Chameleons’ depth, cohesion, and growing chemistry early in the season.

     

    Former UAAP standout Lyann de Guzman continued her impressive start to the conference, building on her solid debut by earning Best Player of the Game honors. The 23-year-old finished with 13 points, highlighted by several timely and clutch hits that steadied Nxled during crucial stretches, particularly in the tightly contested second set.

     

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    De Guzman received ample support from the team’s veteran core, with Brooke Van Sickle and Myla Pablo leading the scoring with 15 points apiece. Middle blocker MJ Phillips also made her presence felt at the net, contributing 10 points while anchoring Nxled’s defense against Capital1’s attacks.

     

    Selected fourth overall by Nxled in last year’s PVL Rookie Draft, De Guzman has quickly emerged as a key piece in the Chameleons’ system. Head coach Ettore Guidetti was full of praise for the young hitter, highlighting not only her on-court production but also her mindset and work ethic.

    “Im happier every single day about her effort and her attitude during the practice. I don’t remember a single practice that she didn’t try her best. Obviously, there are good days and bad days for every one of us, but having players like this is a real pleasure to coach,” Guidetti said during the postmatch press conference.

     

    De Guzman, for her part, was quick to credit the coaching staff, team management, and veteran teammates for helping her settle into her role and play with confidence on the court.

     

    “Coach always reminds us to stick to the system – hit hard and make sure we cover. When rallies happen, everyone does their part, and it really worked for us. They are very supportive. They always encourage me to attack, and they assure me they will take care of the coverage. Everyone is working hard, so this win really belongs to the whole team,” De Guzman said.

     

    She also emphasized the competitive yet supportive environment within the Nxled camp, noting how it has helped the team maintain consistency despite different players stepping up each game.

     

    “We have a very healthy competition in the team. Everyone is willing to step up and help. You can see that it’s not a one-woman show, everyone really wants to contribute to getting the win. Everyone knows what to do on the court. Everyone has experience since they have been in the pros for a while, so the chemistry comes easier. Everyone is also willing to learn from each other,” she added.

     

    With the victory, Nxled improved to a 2-0 record and currently sits second in the All-Filipino Conference standings. The Chameleons will enjoy a brief break before returning to action against the Cignal Solar Spikers on Saturday, February 14, at the Ynares Center in Antipolo, where they will look to sustain their momentum and further strengthen their bid for the conference crown.

     

     

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  • Ettore Guidetti confident Nxled has found its identity in 2026 PVL season despite past struggles

    Ettore Guidetti confident Nxled has found its identity in 2026 PVL season despite past struggles

    The Nxled Chameleons opened their 2026 Premier Volleyball League (PVL) All-Filipino Conference campaign with a statement of resilience and maturity, grinding out a dramatic five-set victory over the Farm Fresh Foxies, 25-23, 13-25, 21-25, 25-15, 15-12, on Tuesday, February 3, at the FilOil Playtime Centre in San Juan.

     

    In a match defined by long rallies, sharp momentum swings, and late-game tension, Nxled leaned heavily on poise, experience, and timely execution from its veteran core to survive a stern opening-day test. After surrendering control in the middle sets, the Chameleons steadied themselves when it mattered most—particularly in the deciding fifth set—where their composure under pressure ultimately broke Farm Fresh’s resistance and sealed a confidence-boosting win.

     

    Reigning PVL Most Valuable Player Brooke Van Sickle spearheaded the Chameleons’ charge in her much-anticipated debut for the franchise, delivering an all-around effort and finishing with 20 points. Fellow newcomer Myla Pablo proved equally vital, providing clutch scoring and defensive stability throughout the match. Pablo tallied 19 points and six digs, earning Player of the Game honors, while middle blocker MJ Phillips added 13 points and a strong presence at the net.

     

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    Despite flashes of brilliance early, Nxled found itself on the back foot after dropping the second and third sets, as Farm Fresh capitalized on defensive adjustments and controlled the tempo with disciplined floor coverage. The Foxies threatened to pull off an opening-day upset, but Nxled’s veteran trio responded with urgency, asserting themselves in the fourth set to force a decider before closing the door in the fifth.

     

    While the Chameleons have started the All-Filipino Conference on a high note, recent history paints a more sobering picture for the franchise. Nxled finished at the bottom of the standings in its first three PVL seasons, with the lone bright spot coming in a fifth-place finish at the 2025 PVL On Tour preseason tournament. Tuesday’s victory, therefore, carried significance beyond the win-loss column, serving as an early indicator of a team seeking to redefine itself.

    Nxled head coach Ettore Guidetti believes that shift is already underway, pointing to a clearer sense of purpose and ambition within the squad.

     

    “The difference about Nxled in this conference is simple to define. This is a team that wants to arrive, to play at the top of the whole conference. Before, Nxled was trying to find its own identity, to understand if it was a team to stay on the bottom, or like in the PVL on Tour in the first six,” Guidetti said in a media interaction.

     

    Although Nxled remains a relatively young team, the offseason acquisitions of Van Sickle, Pablo, and Phillips—former standouts of the Petro Gazz Angels—have dramatically reshaped the roster. The trio’s immediate chemistry and collective experience were evident, particularly during high-pressure stretches when the Chameleons needed steady leadership. Despite limited time together, their ability to make crucial plays helped stabilize the team after it teetered on the brink of an opening-day defeat.

     

    Guidetti emphasized that experience does not change his approach on the sidelines, maintaining that his coaching philosophy remains consistent regardless of a player’s background.

     

    “Honestly, I don’t switch a single part of my style of coaching. I usually coach the young and the experienced ones in the same way. I’m always trying to give them everything that I got, even if it’s not enough,” he added.

     

    The win provides Nxled with an early boost as it continues to integrate new pieces and solidify its identity over the course of the long conference. For Farm Fresh, the narrow loss offered encouraging signs under head coach Tsuzurabara’s system, particularly on the defensive end, where the Foxies showcased grit and structure that could bode well for future outings.

     

    With the Chameleons off to a winning start, Guidetti and his squad will look to carry that momentum into their next match against the Capital1 Solar Spikers on Saturday, February 7, at the Ynares Center in Montalban, as Nxled continues its push to establish itself as an early contender in the 2026 PVL All-Filipino Conference.

     

     

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