Despite the initial confusion over Nxled's chosen import, American middle blocker Meegan Hart provided the spark to help the Chameleons open the 2024 PVL Reinforced Conference on a winning note.
The Nxled Chameleons are off to a good start in the 2024 PVL Reinforced Conference after downing the Galeries Tower Highrisers in five sets, 25-19, 22-25, 25-18, 25-27, 15-12, at the PhilSports Arena in Pasig City on Tuesday, July 16.
Both the Chameleons and Highrisers had last-minute changes with their respective import prior to the opening match in the conference.
Nxled chose to tap American middle blocker Meegan Hart instead of initial Chinese import Jiang Xuanyao, while Galeries switched to Thai veteran outside hitter Sutadta Jarawat after initially bringing in Brazilian outside spiker Monique Helena.
The decision proved to be the right move for the Chameleons as Hart provided her formidable presence at the net, finishing with 19 points built on 12 attacks and seven blocks.
Down a set for most of the match, the Highrisers showed their composure after pulling off a 27-25 escape in the fourth set against the Chameleons.
In the fifth set, it was the Galeries' turn to have a strong start in the match after Jarawat’s attack gave her team a 3-0 start.
But Mae Luna was undeterred as she single-handedly powered Nxled to a 4-0 run, turning the tides in the match.
Tied at 7-all, the Galeries Tower were red-carded for delaying the game, giving Nxled the lead as the two teams switched courts.
The Chameleons took advantage of this, as Hart and Jai Atienza gave their squad a three-point lead, 12-9.
Back-to-back errors, however, allowed the Highrisers to claw their way back. But in the end, Chiara Permentilla and Hart scored the last two points to seal the Chameleons' opening-day win.
Mae Luna contributed 17 points on 15 attacks, one block, and one service ace, while Permentilla added 14 markers.
France Ronquillo paced Galeries Tower with 17 points, while Sutadta had 14 in the loss.