PVL: Gel Cayuna, Nxled look to build chemistry in Invitationals

Nxled Chameleons’ Gel Cayuna during a game vs Galeries Tower High Risers in the 2026 PVL on Tour in South Cotabato. –PVL PHOTO

MANILA, Philippines—Gel Cayuna seeks to strengthen her connection with the Nxled Chameleons as they take on the top three local teams and two guest squads in the PVL Invitationals starting on Monday at Smart Araneta Coliseum.

Nxled will be the first team to test the mettle of new-look Creamline, which will parade Jaja Santiago-Minowa in the 4 p.m duel.

After four PVL on Tour games since signing with Nxled last May, the two-time Season’s Best Setter admitted that she’s still building a strong chemistry with the Chameleons.

READ: Gel Cayuna ready to carry weight of Nxled’s offense

“It’s definitely challenging because most of the people I’m playing with are new to me as well,” Cayuna told the Inquirer in Filipino.

“I’m also used to a different system, and of course, one of the most important things to win is having good chemistry, especially with my role as a setter.”

It will take time for Cayuna to find the perfect mix for the team that has Myla Pablo, MJ Phillips, Jonah Sabete-Escamillan, EJ Laure-Cariño, Lyann De Guzman, and her Cignal teammate Jackie Acuña, especially that three-time MVP Brooke Van Sickle is still out with a shoulder injury.

But the Far Eastern University product takes that challenge in stride.

“Building that connection really takes time. The “one step at a time” line might sound cliché, but that’s really the mindset I have,” Cayuna said. “Every time I go to training, I just make sure that I’m intentional with everything I do. Hopefully, as time goes by, we’ll continue to build and develop our chemistry as a team.”

READ: PVL: Nxled adds Gel Cayuna, Jackie Acuña to roster

“You can’t rush the process. The chemistry and connection I had with my previous team were built over time, through a lot of adjustments and learning. So I believe that eventually, we’ll figure out what we need to do to make our team stronger through intentional actions,” she added.

The goal will always be the championship, but Cayuna will also use this week-long conference to learn as they also face defending champion PLDT, Farm Fresh, and guest teams EST Cola of Thailand and Ho Chi Minh City of Vietnam.

“For these Invitationals, of course, the goal is to win the championship. But aside from that, I also want us to continue building that connection with each other on the court,” said Cayuna.

“I’m definitely excited, and of course, I see this as an opportunity to get to know the team better and see how we play under pressure, especially since these games have a bearing on us.”