PVL: Chiara Permentilla, Nxled pull off escape, send Farm Fresh out of contention

The Nxled Chameleons overcame the tough challenge of the Farm Fresh Foxies, carving out a hard-earned victory, 24-26, 25-20, 25-23, 20-25,15-11, to keep their 2024 PVL All-Filipino Conference campaign alive at the PhilSports Arena on Tuesday.

With the five-set victory, the Chameleons keep their semis hopes flickering with a 3-5 record for eight points, while booting the Foxies out of contention with a 2-7 slate. 

However, a win by PLDT (6-1 record and 17 points) over Strong Group Athletics later in the second match would also dash Nxled’s Final Four aspirations.

After squandering a 2-1 set edge and trailing 5-8 in the decisive fifth frame, the Chameleons regained their groove just in time to forge a deadlock at 8-all.

Chiara Permentilla, who finished with 16 points, 16 receptions, and eight digs, then nailed the differential hits that pushed Nxled ahead, 12-8.

Chinnie Arroyo and Trisha Tubu stopped the bleeding for Farm Fresh, but Kate Santiago and Arroyo coughed out fatal errors that gave Nxled the opening to wrap up the bout. 

Ivy Lacsina came through for the Chameleons once more, hammering down a game-high 21 points.

Lycha Ebon made her presence felt as well with 17 markers, four of which coming from aces, while Cam Victoria above the net with three blocks for a 16-point output.

Kamille Cal churned out the balanced offensive thrust to the tune of 17 excellent sets.

Farm Fresh, meanwhile, also had a well-rounded scoring effort that went down the drain.

Chinnie Arroyo poured out 19 points, while Caitlin Viray delivered her best game in a Foxies uniform with 18 markers.

Santiago managed 11 points, while Trisha Tubu and RIzza Cruz scored 10 each in the losing cause.

Nxled seeks to pull off an upset over defending champion Creamline, while Farm Fresh aims to snap out of its funk when it takes on also-ran Galeries Tower on April 13, Saturday.

Both matches will be held at the same Pasig venue.