The Chameleons clip the Blue Eagles to take a pre-season podium.
The Nxled Chameleons fended off Ateneo de Manila University: 16-25, 25-21, 25-18, 25-17, to salvage a bronze medal in the 2024 Akari Invitational Cup at the Adamson University Gymnasium on Wednesday.
The Chameleons brushed aside a slow start before kicking their offense to gear.
Holding a 2-1 set edge, Nxled leaned on Lycha Ebon, Jho Maraguinot, and Kamille Cal in a 8-0 spurt that broke a 15-all deadlock for a 23-15 lead.
AC Miner tried to stop the bleeding for the Blue Eagles but it proved too late.
Nxled head coach Takayuki Minowa, who did not field Ivy Lacsina due to knee injury, relished the opportunity of battling with collegiate and professional teams in the Akari Cup.
"The experience versus pro and college team is very nice," the Japanese mentor said of their stint in the Akari Cup where the Chameleons finished the elimination round with a 3-2 card and endured a five-set loss to Adamson in the semifinals.
Meanwhile, Ateneo ended the eliminations with a 2-3 slate and suffered a four-set defeat to Akari in the semis.
Nxled and Ateneo now set their sights on the PVL and UAAP, both of which will start this February.