Games Saturday (Aug. 1)

(Polomolok, South Cotabato)

4 p.m. – Nxled vs Galeries Tower

6:30 p.m. – Akari vs Choco Mucho

Riding the momentum of an emphatic bounce-back victory, Nxled heads into its next PVL On Tour assignment with renewed confidence as it takes on Galeries Tower on Saturday, Aug. 1, in Polomolok, South Cotabato.

After stops in Isabela, Batangas and Ilocos Sur, the league's pre-season tour shifts to the country's most populous municipality outside Luzon, where volleyball continues to enjoy a passionate following.

Fresh off a commanding 25-17, 25-23, 25-18 sweep of the undermanned Capital1 Solar Spikers in Vigan, the Chameleons appear to have quickly rediscovered their rhythm after opening the exhibition tournament with a four-set loss to the Creamline Cool Smashers in Ilagan City last July 8.

For head coach Ettore Guidetti, however, the biggest takeaway from the victory was not just the result but the way his team played.

"I honestly think we really enjoyed playing," said Guidetti. "Despite a few interruptions because of the format, we reacted very well every time. I was happy that everybody got the chance to play because all of my players are capable. What pleased me the most was our defense. It was outstanding, and I think the crowd also appreciated how hard we fought for every ball."

The convincing victory further fueled expectations for a talent-laden Nxled squad eager to make a deeper impression heading into the regular season in October.

Although the On Tour, organized by Sports Vision. serves as a pre-season buildup, Guidetti stressed that his team refuses to approach the competition as a series of exhibition matches.

"We don't feel it's an exhibition," stressed the Italian mentor. "The players put pressure on themselves, and we're trying to win every single game. That's the truth. For us, the exhibition is about playing at our highest level."

That mindset, he believes, should be shared by every team in the tournament, regardless of roster limitations. While clubs like Capital1 are missing several key players due to national team duties, every match remains an opportunity to build a winning culture.

Against Galeries Tower, Nxled will once again rely on its depth, with Guidetti enjoying the luxury of fielding multiple players capable of earning starting roles.

The veteran coach said constantly rotating his lineup is part of a deliberate system designed to prepare the team for the long season ahead.

"I always use the same approach in practice," he said. "We never have the same starting six twice in a week. It helps us create quality scrimmages and develop chemistry among everyone. During a long conference, anything can happen. You don't want to be in a situation where a middle blocker suddenly has to play with the starters without ever having built that connection. That's how I coach this team."

Central to that philosophy is establishing strong chemistry between every player and the team's setters.

"The setter is one of the most important positions," said Guidetti. "She's basically the coach on the floor, so building that connection with everyone is extremely important."

That is an area where Galeries Tower has shown promise.

The Highrisers are anchored by veteran playmaker Jules Coronel while top rookie pick Lams Lamina impressed in her professional debut after coming off the bench to orchestrate the offense with seven excellent sets.

Galeries Tower also opened its campaign on a high note, stunning preseason favorite Farm Fresh in four sets in Batangas behind the efforts of Erika Deloria, Jean Asis, Aiza Pontillas, Erika Raagas, Roselle Baliton, Lycha Ebon and Jade Gentapa.

Still, the Highrisers face a much sterner challenge against the seasoned Chameleons, who appear to be finding their identity under Guidetti.

First serve is set at 4 p.m., followed by the featured match between Akari and Choco Mucho at 6:30 p.m.

Akari is looking to rebound after dropping its opening match to the unbeaten ZUS Coffee in Isabela while adjusting to an overhauled roster.

The Chargers still boast Ivy Lacsina, Eli Soyud, Faith Nisperos and Chenie Tagaod, while Grethcel Soltones made a successful transition to libero, finishing with 14 excellent digs in her first game at the position.

Choco Mucho, meanwhile, is hoping to snap a two-game skid. The Flying Titans have been hampered by the absence of national team standouts Eya Laure, Dawn Catindig and Sisi Rondina, while Kat Tolentino continues to recover from surgery.

Despite the setbacks, Choco Mucho showed plenty of grit in its hard-fought loss to a full-strength PLDT squad and hopes to carry that same resilience into its showdown with Akari as it seeks its first victory of the tournament.