EJ Laure shined as Nxled finally ended its grueling 15-game losing streak with a four-set triumph over Galeries Tower, 25-20, 19-25, 25-14, 25-23, in the 2024-25 Premier Volleyball League (PVL) All-Filipino Conference on Saturday at the Philsports Arena.
Laure played a pivotal role in snapping the Chameleons’ drought, which stretched across two conferences. She delivered a game-high 19 points, tallying 14 attacks and five blocks, while also contributing nine excellent digs and eight excellent receptions.
“Syempre sobrang happy lang din talaga. After ilang games na pinagtrabahuhan din namin, eto na, nakamit na namin,” said Laure, who had her best outing for Nxled since transferring to the team.
(C) PVL Images
Ironically, Nxled’s last victory also came against Galeries Tower—a hard-fought five-set win (25-19, 22-25, 25-18, 25-27, 15-12) on July 16 last year. This win also created a three-way tie for 10th to 12th place, as Nxled, Capital1, and Galeries all hold identical 1-8 records.
It was also the Chameleons’ first win under Italian head coach Ettore Guidetti.
“It feels good. It makes me want more. I waited, I think, four or five months to get our first victory, and honestly, it has a very good and sweet taste,” said Guidetti, the former Sweden national team head coach.
In a tightly contested fourth set, Nxled found its rhythm just before the second technical timeout. Laure and May Luna-Lumahan led a crucial 5-2 run, turning a 13-14 deficit into a 19-16 advantage.
Galeries tried to mount a comeback after a service error from Laure and an ace from rookie Jewel Encarnacion trimmed the gap to just one point. However, the Highrisers couldn’t complete the rally, as Laure and Lumahan delivered the final blows to seal the win.
Team captain Chiara Permentilla added 14 points, including 13 from attacks, while also recording six excellent receptions. Lumahan also stepped up with 12 points to finish in double figures.
Jaycel Delos Reyes chipped in eight points, while Lycha Ebon provided a spark with six markers in just two sets played. Setter Jaja Maraguinot orchestrated the offense with 12 excellent sets.
(C) PVL Images
With their long-awaited win, the Chameleons aim to sustain their momentum when they face Choco Mucho on Thursday at the same venue.
Meanwhile, Jho Maraguinot and Graze Bombita led the struggling Galeries, who suffered their fourth consecutive defeat. Maraguinot finished with 14 points, seven receptions, and five digs, while Bombita contributed 11 markers.
The Highrisers will attempt to bounce back against Petro Gazz on Saturday in Antipolo City.
