MANILA — Nxled Chameleons barged into the final phase of the Premier Volleyball League All-Filipino Conference play-in round after a commanding straight-sets win over Galeries Tower Highrisers, while Akari Power Charged stayed alive with a hard-fought five-set escape to keep its semifinal bid intact on Saturday at the Ninoy Aquino Stadium.
Nxled asserted its dominance with a 25-23, 25-18, 25-23 victory in the step-ladder quarterfinals, showcasing composure in crucial stretches to move within one win of the semifinals.
MarJana Phillips powered the Chameleons with 17 points built on 13 attacks and three blocks to earn Player of the Game honors.
“We just really locked in, we watched a lot of film. We know we made a mistake the last time out so, we did well today,” Phillips said after the match.
Nxled leaned on a disciplined all-around effort, holding off Galeries Tower in tight opening and third sets where the Highrisers threatened to extend the contest.
The Chameleons capitalized on timely attacks and defensive stops to seal the straight-sets victory and arrange a do-or-die clash against Farm Fresh Foxies for a semifinal berth.
Meanwhile, Akari Power Charged kept its campaign alive after outlasting Choco Mucho Flying Titans, 25-15, 23-25, 25-16, 15-25, 21-19, in a marathon encounter.
Ivy Lacsina delivered a stellar performance with 30 points on 28 attacks, one block, and a service ace, along with 27 excellent receptions, to be named Player of the Game.
Akari appeared poised to close out the match in four sets but faltered in the fourth, allowing Choco Mucho to force a decider and seize momentum early in the fifth.
The Flying Titans pushed the Power Charged to the brink in an extended final set, but Akari regrouped in the closing stretch to deliver the crucial points needed to survive.
The victory sends Akari into a knockout showdown against Creamline Cool Smashers in the final phase of the play-in round, with the last semifinal ticket on the line./PN
