Nxled extended its blistering run in the PVL On Tour, overcoming Galeries Tower in a gripping straight-sets win, 26-24, 25-23, 25-23, on Tuesday at the Filoil EcoOil Centre to match PLDT’s 3-0 start and inch closer to an outright quarterfinal berth.
The Chameleons withstood a fierce challenge from the Highrisers, digging deep in every set and showcasing their poise and chemistry in the clutch to wrap up the one-hour and 40-minute battle.
Despite the perfect record, Nxled head coach Etorre Guidetti was quick to downplay the significance of their early surge – highlighted by stunning wins over powerhouses Petro Gazz and Choco Mucho.
“First of all, it’s a false 3-0 because it was 26-24, 25-23, 25-23. It was a very tough battle,” said Guidetti. “Honestly, we started winning only when we began playing as a team midway through the first set.”
“We were down 13-4, but then we started playing with patience, improving our system and passing. My open spikers and opposite did a very good job – that’s what made the difference,” he added.
With a large deficit early in the opening frame, Nxled leaned on their composure – and the crowd boost from actor Donny Pangilinan, who showed up after the team’s viral invitation in Batangas – to mount a rousing comeback and seize momentum.
They fended off a late Galeries charge in the second set, then held their nerve in another tight finish in the third, where they saw a 21-18 lead vanish before regrouping behind clutch hits from EJ Cariño and skipper Chiara Permentilla.
With the score tied at 21, Cariño and Permentilla delivered back-to-back hits to reclaim the lead, 23-21. Galeries countered with connections from Jewel Encarnacion and Winnie Bedaña, but Cariño fired a shot through the block for match point before Jov Fernandez finished the job with a booming attack that deflected off the defense.
Cariño, 27, led all scorers with 16 points – 14 on attacks – and had nine excellent receptions. Fernandez, named Player of the Game, added 14 markers, while Permentilla contributed an all-around effort of 13 points, six excellent digs, and nine excellent receptions.
Jaja Maraguinot quarterbacked the offense with 15 excellent sets and added seven digs as Nxled rode the momentum of its twin wins in Batangas over the Angels and Flying Titans.
The Chameleons aim to stretch their streak to four when they face Farm Fresh in Cebu on July 27.
Meanwhile, Galeries dropped to 0-3. Encarnacion topscored with 15 points, five digs, and seven receptions, while second overall pick Jean Asis chipped in 11 points built on eight attacks, two blocks, and an ace.
The Highrisers will try to break into the win column when they take on the Foxies on July 26.
