Volleyball fans at the FilOil EcoOil Arena in San Juan City saw the last pair elimination games of the PVL on Tour yesterday, July 15, as both Nxled Chameleons and Akari Chargers swept their opponents to get the victory.
Nxled Chameleons with the Best Start in Franchise History
The Nxled Chameleons battled the Galeries Tower Highrisers as teams from Pool A try to record as many wins this preseason.
The team overcame a sluggish start in the opening set, where they trailed 3-14, before mounting a spirited comeback that shifted the momentum in their favor. Their turnaround coincided with the arrival of actor Donny Pangilinan, who drew cheers from the crowd and seemingly ignited Nxled’s rally. The Chameleons stole the set and carried the energy through the remainder of the match.
The second and third sets were closely contested, with Galeries threatening late in both frames. In the final set, the Highrisers erased an 18-21 deficit and tied the score at 23-all through key plays from Jewel Encarnacion and Winnie Bedaña. However, EJ Cariño’s clutch attack and Jov Fernandez’s powerful spike off the blockers sealed the win for Nxled.
FINAL SCORES = Set 1: 26- 24, Set 2: 25-23, Set 3: 25-23
Cariño starred with 16 points, 14 of which came from attacks, and added nine excellent receptions. Fernandez contributed 14 markers and was named Player of the Game. Team captain Chiara Permentilla added 13 points along with solid contributions on defense, while setter Jaja Maraguinot orchestrated the offense with 15 excellent sets and seven digs.
Meanwhile, for the Highrisers, Encarnacion paced the Highrisers with 15 points, while rookie Jean Asis finished with 11.
Chameleons are now 3-0, which sets a franchise record for the young team. They are now about to battle the other team in Pool A also with an unblemished record of 3-0, the PLDT High Speed Hitters.
The anticipated match between the Top 2 teams of Pool A happens on July 26 at the USJ-R Coliseum in Cebu City.
Galeries Tower Highrisers, on the other hand, dropped to 0-3, settling for the last spot in Pool A standings. They continue to search for its first win when they battle the Farm Fresh Foxies on July 26.
Akari Chargers Finish Preseason Schedule With A Victory
Playing their last game of the elimination round for the preseason, the Akari Chargers faced off against the winless Capital1 Solar Spikers for Pool B action.
The Chargers faced a tough challenge in the third set, falling behind by nine points, 12-21, as Capital1, led by Sydney Niegos, Rachel Austero, and Rovie Instrella, looked poised to extend the match. But after a timely wake-up call from the coaching staff, Akari stormed back with a blistering 13-2 run that stunned the Solar Spikers.
A late push from Capital1 briefly gave them a 23-22 edge, but Akari answered with three straight points which included a costly attack error from the Solar Spikers, as it ended their match under an hour and a half.
FINAL SCORES = Set 1: 25-23, Set 2: 25-18, Set 3: 25-23
Despite missing key players such as Faith Nisperos, Fifi Sharma, Justine Jazareno, and Mars Alba, the Chargers leaned on a balanced effort to get the job done.
Ezra Madrigal earned Player of the Game honors with an 11-point outing off eight attacks and three kill blocks. Eli Soyud led all scorers with 12 points, while Grethcel Soltones contributed nine markers and 15 excellent digs. Ivy Lacsina also made an impact with eight points and 11 receptions. Kamille Cal provided steady playmaking with 22 excellent sets and five points, while Dani Ravena and Max Juangco added defensive stability in the back row.
Akari Chargers finish their preseason round with a record of 2-3.
On the side of Capital1 Solar Spikers, Niegos and Austero each finished with 11 points, while Instrella added 10 markers.
They ended their PVL on Tour without getting a win, 0-5.
The Solar Spikers were also undermanned, playing without their number 1 overall pick, Bella Belen, as well as key players, Leila Cruz, Jorelle Singh, and Jerrili Malabanan.
Despite their respective records, both squads are still set to compete in the knockout rounds of PVL on Tour.
