Jaboneta holds down defense for Chameleons

Irah Jaboneta continues to carve her niche at Nxled. — PVL IMAGES

Rookie libero Irah Jaboneta continues to find her footing in the professional ranks, steadily adapting to coach Ettore Guidetti’s system while building chemistry with her new teammates at Nxled in the PVL on Tour.

The fifth overall pick in the PVL Rookie Draft looked increasingly comfortable as she anchored the Chameleons’ defense in a 25-23, 25-23, 25-20 sweep of Galeries Tower on Saturday at Polomolok Gymnasium in South Cotabato, giving Nxled its second straight preseason victory.

“I’m really enjoying myself on the court,” Jaboneta said in Filipino after tallying 12 excellent receptions and six digs. “I’m putting less pressure on myself. When I’m enjoying the game, I feel like I’m able to do my job much better.”

The former University of the Philippines standout, who transitioned from outside hitter to libero in her final collegiate season, said she has fully embraced her new role.

“Consistency is the biggest thing, and I have to fully embrace my role,” she said. “Since I’ve been converted to libero, I need to let go of the mindset of being an attacker and focus on doing my job.”

“I still have a lot to work on because every opponent is different. Every team has different hitters and different strengths, so I have to prepare for each game. That’s the challenge for me as a libero.”

Guidetti has been pleased with the rookie’s development through three preseason matches.

“She’s confirming all my expectations about my first pick in the draft,” the Italian coach said. “She’s playing great and is fully focused on volleyball. I’m blessed every single day by the choice I made. I love the way she is—not only as a consistent libero but also as a person. She’s really into the team, and everybody trusts her.”

For Jaboneta, the preseason has also been about developing chemistry with a roster bolstered by former Petro Gazz champions and veteran setter Gel Cayuna, who joined the team after Cignal disbanded.

“I think you can see how much I’ve adjusted on the court, and it’s the same off the court,” she said. “The energy and confidence my teammates give me carry over into my game. At first, the adjustment wasn’t easy because I was still getting to know everyone. I was shy and a little awkward, but now I’m becoming more comfortable with them every day.” INQ