Nxled snapped its five-game losing streak at the expense of sister squad Akari, 22-25, 25-17, 25-23, 25-16, in the Premier Volleyball League Second All-Filipino Conference, Tuesday at the Smart Araneta Coliseum.
May Luna played inspired volleyball and put up a team-high 14 points – including two blocks – to help the Chameleons improve their standing to 2-5.
Luna pushed through grief, as she recently lost her mother and will fly home to Davao to be with her family.
“Actually, it’s kinda difficult decision using May Luna inside the court because she’s been crying every time after (her mom died),” said Nxled head coach Taka Minowa after the emotional win.
“It’s very sad for us but after she found out, she cannot join the practices. That’s why we’re still (unsure) to using her. But she practiced the last time and she’s very good – that’s why we used her,” he added.
Following a close win in the third set, the Chameleons sustained their momentum and went on an 8-3 start.
They eventually made it to a 16-9 advantage after consecutive hits from Luna and Lycha Ebon.
The Chargers never recovered from there. Nxled slammed the doors shut on their sister team, ending the game after two hours of action.
“Nxled players came from Akari before, they doesn’t have the confidence but today, our players played kind of different because they want to win against Akari,” added Minowa.
Jho Maraguinot delivered 13 points to go along with 11 excellent digs and nine excellent receptions.
Meanwhile, Ebon and Camille Victoria chipped in 12 and 11 points, respectively.
Kamille Cal glued things together with 28 excellent sets to go along with eight big points for the Chameleons.
Nxled will take on Galeries Tower next on Thursday, 2:00 PM, at the Filoil EcoOil Centre.
On the other hand, Akari dropped to 3-4.
The Chargers were paced by Dindin Santiago-Manabat with 18 points on 15 attacks and three blocks.
Faith Nisperos was limited to 11 points to go along with 13 excellent receptions and 13 excellent digs.
Akari will go up against the also-ran Gerflor on Saturday, 4:00 PM, in Cagayan de Oro.
