The team played inspired volleyball on Tuesday.
May Luna soared from the left flank and gave it all she got for the shot that gave the NXLED Chameleons the much-needed 22-25, 25-17, 25-23, 25-16 win over Akari Chargers in the PVL 2nd All-Filipino Conference on Tuesday.
Her teammates then flocked to her and gave her a big, warm hug as her eyes began to leak like a faucet.
Two days ago, Luna’s mother passed away and the Chameleons showed their support and love by wearing white ribbons in their hair.
No one could have written a better script.
Nxled coach Taka Minowa admitted that they were a little apprehensive in using Luna after losing her mom, but he said she displayed great resolve during practice.
"It's really sad for us (when Luna's mom passed away)," said Minowa in the postgame press conference. "After her mother's (death), she couldn't join our practice. That's why we were unsure of using her. But her practice the last time was very good. That's why we used here (today). Her focus is really good."
Kamille Cal, who finished with 28 excellent sets, added that their win was indeed dedicated to Luna's mother.
"Instead of going home (to Davao del Norte right away), she decided to play in this game. Kaya naging emotional din 'yung panalo namin," said Cal.
"Other than wanting to win against our sister team, we had another motivation. It was more of a spiritual and emotional type of motivation because it was special," she added.
Rallying behind Luna allowed the Chameleons to arrest a five-game tailspin and pick up their second win in the conference while handing the Chargers their fourth loss in seven games.
Nxled looks to collect another victory when it tackles the Galeries Tower Highrisers on Thursday at the Filoil EcoOil Centre in San Juan.
(With reports from Jamie Velasco, One Sports Digital)
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