In a thrilling showdown at the Philsports Arena in Pasig, Nxled found itself locked in a fierce battle against the formidable Farm Fresh squad.
However, it wasn't until Coach Taka Minowa made a strategic move that the tides began to turn in their favor.
As the first set unfolded and Nxled struggled to find their rhythm against Farm Fresh, Coach Minowa's memory flashed back to a pivotal moment from a previous encounter in the Premier Volleyball League. It was a memory etched in his mind from their clash with the Foxies in the previous conference, a match where a certain player emerged as the "Farm Fresh killer."
Recalling that game-changing moment, Minowa decided to take a bold step. He substituted Chiara Permentilla, the 26-year-old outside hitter from Adamson University, into the game during the opening set, replacing Jhoana Maraguinot.
From that moment onward, Permentilla seized her opportunity and refused to relinquish her spot on the court. With determination blazing in her eyes, she propelled the Chameleons to a hard-fought victory over the Foxies in five sets: 24-26, 25-20, 25-23, 20-25, 15-11.
Permentilla's performance was nothing short of spectacular, as she delivered her best game of the All-Filipino Conference to date. With 16 points amassed through 15 powerful attacks and a well-placed service ace, she showcased her offensive prowess. But her contribution extended beyond scoring, as she displayed exceptional defensive skills with 16 excellent receptions and eight crucial digs.
Reflecting on his decision, Coach Minowa remarked, "Jho (Maraguinot) was always in the first six, but I remember last conference against Farm Fresh, Chiara (Permentilla) was a Farm Fresh killer, so she played very well."
Prior to this pivotal match, Permentilla had been patiently biding her time on the bench, accumulating only seven points in Nxled's previous seven games. Yet, when the opportunity presented itself against the Foxies, she seized it with both hands, determined to showcase her capabilities and propel her team to victory.
In her own words, Permentilla shared, "Every time naman coach will tap me and put me on the court, nandoon talaga yung tiwala ng coaches eh. So may tiwala rin ako sa sarili ko every time na pinapasok ako."
Her commitment to excellence and unwavering confidence in herself proved to be instrumental in turning the tide of the game. "Ang akin lang, I wanna perform well no matter if it’s a short or long period of time on the court. Ang gusto ko lang makatulong ako in any way possible sa teammates ko," she added.
Permentilla's heroics weren't confined to this latest showdown. In a memorable encounter in Iloilo, she had previously come off the bench to contribute 12 crucial points, along with 13 receptions and seven digs, leading Nxled to a triumphant victory over Farm Fresh.
