NXLED become the first team to punch its ticket to the semifinal round of the Premier Volleyball League All-Filipino Conference Siklab Series after delivering an emphatic 27-25, 25-22, 26-24 win over Akari at the Smart Araneta Coliseum on Thursday.
Stretching their unbeaten run to six matches, the Chameleons victory left six other teams to battle for the remaining three semis slots.
The Chargers absorbed a fourth loss in seven games, but remain firmly in contention for a Final Four berth.
“We just stuck it out together. Akari is a very hard team for us to play. They’re very good in defense and blocking and a very scrappy team, so we communicated early and just had to stay resilient and very patient as the game went on,” said Brooke Van Sickle.
“I’m very proud that we stuck to it and didn’t care about what the score was,” she added.
Van Sickle once again spearheaded Nxled’s attack, producing 10 points, collected six digs and six receptions. MJ Phillips, Myla Pablo and EJ Cariño chipped in nine points apiece while Gel Cayuna lobbed 17 excellent sets.
While the semifinal ticket is already secured, the Chameleons have little reason to ease off the gas.
Next up for Nxled is face traditional powerhouse Creamline on Tuesday at the Mall of Asia Arena, a potentially defining encounter in their bid to secure one of the coveted top two positions and the twice-to-beat advantage in the Final Four.
Eli Soyud continued to spearhead the Chargers’ offense with 16 points, including two blocks, while Ced Domingo provided support with 10.
Fifi Sharma, Faith Nisperos and Ivy Lacsina chipped in six points apiece, Mars Alba also had 17 excellent sets, while libero Justin Jazareno had 15 points and 13 receptions.
