Nxled yielded the lead midway in the fourth set and fouled up on the service line in the stretch but staged an impressive comeback from a 0-3 deficit in the decider to outlast Galeries Tower, salvaging a hard-fought 25-19, 22-25, 25-18, 25-27, 15-12 decision in the Premier Volleyball League Reinforced Conference at the Philsports Arena in Pasig on Tuesday.
Import Meegan Hart delivered crucial hits in various styles in the middle, while May Luna sparked the Chameleons’ strong rally from a sluggish start in the fifth set, enabling Nxled to clinch the two-hour, 55-minute victory, marking the beginning of the mid-season conference organized by Sports Vision.
The outcome could be indicative of the competitive nature and high quality of reinforcements in this import-laced conference.
“It was great, we got a win. But I’m feeling really welcomed in the Philippines. So far, the experience has been awesome,” said Hart, whom the team picked over Chinese wing spiker Xuanyao Jiang.
Luna scored four of her 17 points at the beginning of the fifth set, igniting the Chameleons’ comeback from a three-point deficit. Hart’s drop shot gave Nxled a 6-4 lead.
Despite the Highrisers keeping the match close, tying at 9 following a Jho Maraguinot service error, the Chameleons regained control with a decisive 3-0 run, which provided Nxled, now handled by Chinese coach Chen Gang, with enough cushion to secure the win.
With Jaja Maraguinot showcasing her playmaking skills, Chiara Permentilla scored on a high ball off a reverse set, bringing the team to match point at 14-12. After Nxled foiled Galeries’ attack play, Maraguinot set up Hart for an uncontested quick hit, sealing the tightly-fought contest.
The 6-foot-2 Megan Hart led Nxled with 19 points, featuring 12 attacks and seven blocks, while Luna, who entered the match in the second set, contributed significantly with five excellent receptions.
Meanwhile, Permentilla complemented Hart’s performance with a well-rounded game, tallying five blocks, seven spikes, and two aces, for a total of 14 points.
After taking a 2-1 set lead, Nxled surged ahead 18-16 in the fourth set. However, Galeries Tower rallied to seize the lead at 24-21. The Chameleons managed to rack up three consecutive points to extend the set, but two crucial service faults ultimately aided the Highrisers in clinching the set win sealed by Graze Bombita’s crosscourt attack.
“It was a very tough outing for a first game. Nandun pa din ang adjustment naming at medyo okay din yung nilaro ng Galeries kaya umabot sa fifth set,” said Nxled assistant coach Raffy Mosuela.
Rome Joy Doromal and France Ronquillo kept Galeries Tower in contention with a valiant effort down the stretch, but Permentilla’s sharp crosscourt hit and Hart’s quick kill ultimately thwarted their comeback attempts.
Ronquillo paced the Highrisers with 17 points, all on attacks, while Thai import Sutadta Chuewulim came off the bench to score 14 points and eight receptions. Middle blockes Roselle Baliton and Andrea Marzan added 12 points apiece.
