Rebuilding Nxled is investing in youth after signing winger Jov Fernandez and libero Janel Delerio as part of its buildup for the Premier Volleyball League (PVL) Reinforced Conference later this year.
A day after parting ways with veteran setter Ivy Perez and seasoned defense specialist Bang Pineda, the Chameleons formally announced the acquisition of the duo on Thursday with hopes to turn their fortunes around following a forgettable campaign in the All-Filipino Conference.
Nxled under first year Italian coach Ettore Guidetti finished the season-opening tournament at the bottom of the standings with a 1-10 win-loss record.
Fernandez, a former University Athletic Association of the Philippines (UAAP) Best Opposite Hitter, adds firepower to the Chameleons’ wing spot, complementing holdovers skipper Chiara Permentilla, EJ Laure, Lycha Ebon and Lucille Almonte.
The Far Eastern University product joined Nxled after leaving Cignal, which tapped her services last year after her first professional club, F2 Logistics, disbanded in December 2023.
Meanwhile, Delerio brings stability to the Chameleons’ floor defense, the same way she did with her former team Farm Fresh.
The arrival of the two beefed-up Nxled’s roster ahead of the import-laden tournament, tentatively scheduled to begin in October.
The Chameleons also have a 40 percent chance of selecting the first overall pick in the Rookie Draft lottery draw set next month.
On the other hand, Tin Tiamzon is making a comeback after signing with Cignal.
The HD Spikers sealed a deal with the former Cargo Mover, who took a time off after the club was dissolved, to shore up their depleted lineup.
Cignal also saw the departure of prized spiker Ces Molina and middle blocker Riri Meneses in the middle of the AFC.