In a thrilling opening match of the 2024 Premier Volleyball League (PVL) Reinforced Conference, American middle blocker Meegan Hart made an immediate impact for Nxled, contributing significantly to their hard-fought victory over Galeries Tower in a gripping five-set battle at the Philsports Arena in Pasig City.
Hart, renowned for her collegiate career at the University of Colorado, showcased her prowess at the net as Nxled secured a 25-19, 22-25, 25-18, 25-27, 15-12 triumph over the Highrisers.
The 6-foot-2 spiker shone with seven crucial blocks and a game-high 19 points, including 12 from powerful attacks, marking an impressive debut in the PVL.
Reflecting on her seamless transition to the team, Hart expressed gratitude towards her teammates and coaching staff during the post-game press conference.
"I think I’m fitting in really well; the girls have been super supportive, helping me out with communication, calls, and just the little things," she remarked.
Despite the swift adjustment to the league's faster pace, Hart credited her teammates for aiding her acclimatization process.
"The pace here is faster than what I’m used to, really scrappy, with longer plays. So I think it’s just adjusting to the speed, but overall, it’s been good," she noted.
Drawing on her experience as a former First Team All-Pac 12 member and her recent stint in Cyprus with Olympiada Neapolis VB, Hart emphasized the collective effort that fueled Nxled's victory.
Local talents like May Luna and Chiara Permentilla also made significant contributions, underlining the team's cohesive strategy and depth.
"Yeah, I’m happy with the win. We went out there trusting the training the girls have had over the past few months, and just playing with confidence, which is the most important thing, along with communication," Hart affirmed.
Her optimism for the season ahead was palpable, expressing a desire to build on this early success and contribute further to Nxled's campaign in the conference.
"It was great; getting a win is always great, and I feel really welcomed in the Philippines. The experience so far has been awesome, and I’m excited to be here with the team and win more games," she concluded.
