The Nxled Chameleons. Photo from PVL Media Bureau

MANILA – The Nxled Chameleons rose past the Galeries Tower Highrisers in a five-set marathon, 25-19, 22-25, 25-18, 25-27, 15-12, to take the 2024 Premier Volleyball League (PVL) Reinforced Conference opener on Tuesday at the PhilSports Arena in Pasig City.

The Chameleons had a balanced scoring led by their import, Meegan Hart, who scattered 19 points on 12 attacks and seven blocks, while locals May Luna and Chiara Permentilla added 17 and 14 points, respectively.

"It was great, we got a win so it’s always great but I’m feeling really welcomed in the Philippines. So far, the experience has been awesome. I’m really excited to be here with the team and win a lot of games," Hart told reporters during the postgame press conference.

Down 2-1 in sets, the Highrisers captured three unanswered points from a 21-all deadlock in the fourth chapter to reach set point, 24-21, capped by an Andrea Marzan block point.

READ: Rookies, imports take the spotlight in PVL Reinforced Conference

Chameleons fought back and tied the game once more at 24-apiece, saving several set points to extend the match.

But Nxled import Meegan Hart suffered a crucial service error, which propelled Galeries to another set point, 26-25, then Grace Bombita fired a crosscourt hit to force a decider.

Despite that comeback attempt from Galeries, it was Nxled which shone in the final set.

Luna suffered an attack error at 13-12, also to give hope to the opposing side, but Permentilla and Hart made up for it off consecutive clutch hits to emerge victorious in the 2-hour, 55-minute encounter.

Nxled will have the chance to make it two in a row against Chery Tiggo on Saturday, while Galeries can bounce back against PLDT at the same game date.

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