NXLED tries to bounce back from its opening setback as it faces a Capital1 side missing its starting wingers when the Premier Volleyball League On Tour resumes Saturday at the Chavit Coliseum in Vigan City, Ilocos Sur.
With Bella Belen and newcomers Vanie Gandler and Erika Santos away on national team duty, the Solar Spikers will turn to rookie draft No. 2 overall pick Detdet Pepito, who is set to make her much-anticipated debut in the 4 p.m. showdown against the talent-laden Chameleons.
Despite the absence of key wing attackers, Capital1 remains formidable with a deep middle rotation anchored by Cherry Nunag, Ezra Madrigal, KC Galdones, Pauline Gaston and Pia Abbu.
Pepito, a decorated collegiate standout, is expected to provide an immediate boost while teaming up with Roma Mae Doromal and Rachel Jorvina to strengthen Nxled’s defensive rotation.
Capital1 will also showcase second-round pick Khy Cepada, who joins a wing corps led by Trisha Genesis, Ysa Jimenez, Leila Cruz, Sydney Niegos and France Ronquillo.
The Chameleons counter with a loaded lineup featuring former Cignal standout Jackie Acuña, MJ Phillips, Krich Macaslang, Aduke Ogunsanya and veteran Aby Maraño in the middle, while banking on the explosive wing combination of Brooke Van Sickle, Myla Pablo, Jonah Escamillan and Lyann De Guzman. Chiara Permentilla and EJ Laure.
Nxled also enters the match with greater urgency after absorbing a four-set defeat to Creamline in its opening assignment in Ilagan City last July 9.
The 6:30 p.m. match also promises plenty of intrigue as last year’s On Tour champion PLDT finally opens its campaign against Choco Mucho.
On paper, the High Speed Hitters appear deeper and more experienced, with Savi Davison, Kim Dy, Kath Arado and Majoy Baron, leading a roster further bolstered by draft pick No. 7 Fianne Ariola and free agency signing Joan Monares.
Choco Mucho, meanwhile, continues to cope with the absence of national team standouts Sisi Rondina, Eya Laure and Dawn Catindig, placing greater responsibility on No. 3 overall pick Tin Ubaldo, Isa Molde, Jewel Encarnacion, Kat Tolentino, Caitlin Viray and Dindin Manabat to keep the Flying Titans competitive.
The PVL On Tour Showdown heads to South Cotabato for the first time on August 1, with Nxled taking on Galeries Tower at 4 p.m. and Akari battlingChoco Mucho at 6:30 p.m. in Polomolok.