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Tag: Irah Jaboneta

  • 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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  • UAAP standout Irah Jaboneta keen on entering 2026 PVL Draft

    UAAP standout Irah Jaboneta keen on entering 2026 PVL Draft

    The Premier Volleyball League (PVL) is set to usher in a new wave of talent as it officially opens applications for the 2026 PVL Draft on Monday, April 20. With the league continuing to grow in popularity and competitiveness, this year’s draft is expected to feature a strong pool of collegiate standouts, particularly from the University Athletic Association of the Philippines.

     

    Among the most notable early entrants is Nina Ytang, the three-time UAAP Best Middle Blocker from the University of the Philippines Fighting Maroons. Ytang recently confirmed her intention to take her talents to the professional ranks, marking the end of a decorated collegiate career defined by consistency and dominance at the net.

     

    She may soon be joined by teammate Irah Jaboneta, who has also expressed a strong desire to enter the draft. Jaboneta, one of UP’s most reliable scorers in recent seasons, spoke candidly about her decision to move on from the collegiate level and embrace the next chapter of her volleyball journey.

     

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    “It’s time to take the next step na talaga and magpa-draft. Tanda na rin’ eh. It’s time for the kids and the remaining players to show what they have got. Kasi kumbaga, ako, I have served my purpose na talaga for UP. And sana talaga nakita nila at na-appreciative nila kasi every game, hindi naman kaming lahat ng players, and alam ko kaming tatlo every game talaga binubuhos namin kung ano kaya namin,” Jaboneta said in a media interaction.

     

    Jaboneta’s UAAP career came to a close on Sunday, April 19, following UP’s four-set loss to the University of Santo Tomas Golden Tigresses in the Season 88 women’s volleyball tournament. Despite a spirited effort, the Fighting Maroons bowed out with a 23-25, 25-21, 25-22, 25-19 defeat, signaling the end of an era for one of the program’s key leaders.

    While Ytang and Jaboneta appear poised to take the leap, team captain Joan Monares remains undecided about her immediate future. The veteran setter hinted at taking time off before making a final decision on whether to pursue a professional career.

     

    “Ako, magbe-beach muna ako. Titingnan ko kung saan ako dadalhin ng hangin,” Monares shared, suggesting a more reflective approach after years of intense collegiate competition.

     

    Monares and Jaboneta, along with Ytang, have been instrumental in the Fighting Maroons’ rise over the past five years. The trio endured a challenging rebuilding period that saw the program transition through five different head coaches, while steadily helping restore pride and competitiveness to the UP women’s volleyball team.

     

    Reflecting on their journey, Jaboneta emphasized the significance of their shared experience and the transformation they witnessed firsthand.

     

    “I would say since kaming tatlo, parang same same kami nag-start, we entered UP, and we played in UP parang sabay, hindi ‘yon madali. We witnessed seeing the crowd empty coming to now, seeing the UP crowd filling up the arena. Ako, kasi masasabi ko na my chest is gonna explode kasi somehow nandoon kami nung binubuo ang UP ngayon at kung ano UP na meron ngayon,” she concluded.

     

    As the PVL Draft approaches, all eyes will be on this new generation of UAAP standouts looking to make their mark on the professional stage. For players like Ytang and Jaboneta, the transition represents not just a career move, but the continuation of a journey that began in the collegiate ranks and now heads toward a bigger spotlight.

     

     

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