Nxled escaped Galeries in five sets, 25-19, 22-25, 25-18, 25-27, 15-12, to open its 2024 Premier Volleyball League Reinforced Conference campaign on a winning note on Tuesday at the Philsports Arena in Pasig City.
The Chameleons, who opted to use American middle blocker Meegan Hart as their import over Chinese wing spiker Xuanyao Jiang, started their new era under head coach Chen Gang at 1-0 in Pool A.
The 6-foot-2 Hart, along with May Luna and Chiara Permentilla, delivered for Nxled in the all-important fifth set.
“It was great, we got a win so it’s always great, but I’m feeling really welcomed in the Philippines. So far, the experience has been awesome. I’m really excited to be here with the team and win a lot of games,” said Hart, who led the way for Nxled with 19 points on 12 attacks and seven of the team’s 18 blocks.
(C) Joaqui Flores/PVL
After allowing the Highrisers to zoom to a 3-0 lead in the decider, Luna, Permentilla, and Jaja Maraguinot answered with five straight points to shift the momentum back to the Chameleons.
Roma Joy Doromal and France Ronquillo willed Galeries to a close fight down the stretch, but Permentilla’s sharp crosscourt hit and Hart’s quick kill finished the game for the Chameleons after two hours and 55 minutes.
Luna, who only entered the match from the second set onwards, registered 17 points and five excellent receptions, while Permentilla was outstanding at the net with five blocks, seven spikes, and two aces for 14 points.
“Well, very tough game para sa first game ‘no. Nandun pa rin naman yung adjustment namin and medyo okay din yung nilaro ng Galeries talaga kaya napunta tayo sa fifth set,” said Chameleons assistant coach Raffy Mosuela.
(C) Joaqui Flores/PVL
Ronquillo paced the Highrisers with 17 points, all coming off attacks, while Thai import Sutadta Chuewulim had 14 points and eight receptions after coming off the bench.
Middle blockers Roselle Baliton and Andrea Marzan were also solid in the losing effort with 12 points apiece.
Both teams will be back on Saturday at the same Pasig venue, with Nxled facing Chery Tiggo at 2 p.m. and Galeries clashing with PLDT at 4 p.m.
