Late rally carries Nxled to sweep over resilient Galeries Tower
At A Glance
- The Chameleons leaned on their balanced offense and collective execution to secure their second straight victory after an opening-game defeat, following last week's sweep of Capital1 in Ilocos Sur.
Myla Pablo leads Nxled with 14 points. (PVL Images)
Nxled showcased the chemistry, depth and composure to carve out a hard-earned 25-23, 25-23, 25-20 victory over Galeries Tower in the PVL On Tour Showdown before a packed crowd at the Polomolok Gymnasium in Cotabato on Saturday, Aug. 1.
The Chameleons leaned on their balanced offense and collective execution to secure their second straight victory after an opening-game defeat, following last week's sweep of Capital1 in Ilocos Sur.
Every time the Highrisers threatened to seize momentum, Nxled found a player willing to deliver.
Sophomore Lyann de Guzman rose to the occasion in the closing moments of the first two sets, coming through with timely attacks that steadied the Chameleons in crunch time. In the decisive third frame, veterans Aduke Ogunsanya and Myla Pablo combined to slam the door on Galeries Tower's final rally, completing the straight-set triumph in one hour and 38 minutes.
Pablo led Nxled with 14 points, while MJ Phillips and EJ Cariño chipped in nine points apiece. Jonah Escamillan and Jovelyn Fernandez added six and five markers, respectively, as Nxled maximized its depth in an all-to-play format that saw key players rested in several sets.
Erika Deloria paced the Highrisers with 13 points, while Jean Asis contributed 11 markers, including five blocks that helped Galeries Tower carve out a slim 11-10 advantage in blocking against Nxled's formidable middle rotation.
Setter Gel Cayuna earned top honors after orchestrating Nxled's offense with 16 excellent sets while adding four points.
The loss dropped the Highrisers to 1-1 in the tour, but their resilience once again showed they can compete with the league's stronger teams when their energy and defense are clicking.
For Nxled, meanwhile, the victory served as another encouraging sign that its chemistry is steadily taking shape.