PVL: Meegan Hart powers Nxled past Galeries in opener

Nxled import Meegan Hart during the PVL Reinforced Conference.–MARLO CUETO/INQUIRER.net

MANILA, Philippines — Meegan Hart only managed to train with Nxled for one day but it didn’t stop her from towing the Chameleons past Galeries Tower, 25-19, 22-25, 25-18, 25-27, 15-12, in the 2024 PVL Reinforced Conference on Tuesday at Philsports Arena.

The 6-foot-2 middle blocker from the United States provided seven of the team’s 18 blocks and nailed 12 attacks for the Chameleons’ first win in Pool A despite getting her clearance to play just minutes before the game. 

“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,” said Hart. 

SCHEDULE: 2024 PVL Reinforced Conference

Nxled Chameleons after winning their first Pool A game. #PVL2024 @INQUIRERSports pic.twitter.com/v9LrBhSKwk

— Lance Agcaoili (@LanceAgcaoilINQ) July 16, 2024

“I would say it’s a lot faster I think than what I’m used to. Really scrappy, the plays are a little bit longer. So I think, it’s just adjusting to the length, but overall, it’s been good. I think it’s a fast transition but again, I’ve been welcomed with open arms, my teammates have been super supportive, and the coaching staff.”

Hart broke a tie at 9-all in the fifth set, lifting the Chameleons to a 13-10 lead. Their errors allowed the Highrisers to cut it down to one, 13-12. Chiara Permentilla stopped the bleeding to reach match point before Hart nailed the game-winning hit to end the two-hour and 55-minute match.

Hart credited her quick adjustment to her teammates, who helped her adapt to Chinese coach Chen Gang’s system.

“It’s just leaning on your teammates. You know, I always put my best foot forward and I’m always ready in a sense, you know, in this league, and in all leagues, you always have to be ready, so it’s just trusting in my game and in my teammates, and the coaching staff, and they trust me and that gives me the confidence to go out there and play my heart out,” she said. 

PVL: Galeries, Nxled make last-minute import tweaks

Nxled listed two imports including Chinese spiker Xuanyao Jiang but decided to stick with the American for the remainder of the conference to stave off the gallant stand of the Highrisers, led by Thai import Sutadta Chuewulim, who arrived on Monday night to replace Monique Helena after Galeries coaches weren’t pleased with Helena’s conditioning.

“I think I’m fitting in really well, the girls have been super supportive. Helping me out with communication things, the calls, and just like the little things, yeah, I think it hasn’t been too hard. It happened fast, but, I think I’m grateful for my teammates and coaches for helping me out,” Hart said.

Local spiker May Luna also stepped up for the Chameleons with 17 points while Chiara Permentilla delivered 14 points off five blocks. Lycha Ebon and Jaila Atienze added nine points each, while Jho Maraguinot had eight points with her sister Jaja tossing 17 excellent sets. 

France Ronquillo powered the Highrisers with 17 points, supported by Chuewulim’s 14-point effort. Roselle Baliton and Andrea Marzan had 12 points, while libero Alyssa Eroa protected the floor with 24 excellent digs.