Dubbed as the ‘Farm Fresh killer’ by Nxled coach Taka Minowa, Chiara Permentilla delivered an all-around performance to push the Chameleons past the Foxies in the 2024 PVL All-Filipino Conference.
Having spent the majority of the 2024 PVL All-Filipino Conference on the bench of the Nxled Chameleons, Chiara Permentilla never let her limited playing time dampen her determination.
So when Nxled head coach Taka Minowa gave her the opportunity on Tuesday, Permentilla seized the moment and helped the Chameleons pull off an escape act over the Farm Fresh Foxies.
For the 26-year-old outside hitter, who delivered an all-around effort of 16 points, 16 excellent receptions, and eight excellentdigs, she simply repaid the trust of Minowa and the rest of the team.
“Every time naman na coach will tap me and put me on the court, nandoon talaga 'yung tiwala ng coaches. So ang sakin, may tiwala rin ako sa sarili ko everytime pinapasok ako,” Permentilla.
“Ang akin lang is I wanna perform well, no matter if it's short or long period of time on the court. Ang gusto ko lang makatulong ako in any way possible sa teammates ko.”
Minowa took out Jho Maraguinot and slotted in Permentilla in the opening frame, when the Chameleons struggled to dictate the tempo over the Foxies.
This, after the Japanese tactician recalled that the Adamson product had a memorable 12-point, 13-reception, and eight-dig showing when Nxled last defeated Farm Fresh in the 2023 Second All-Filipino Conference last December.
“[It’s] always [Jho who’s] in the first six. But I remember the last conference against Farm Fresh, Chiara is a Farm Fresh killer. It's really good to see her performance here,” Minowa said.
Permentilla, who only had a total of seven points in the seven games prior, came through with her best performance in the conference to date. This allowed the Chameleons to secure their second straight win for a 3-5 record.
“Well, the mindset was simply to win. We came to this game with a winning mindset no matter how many sets it took, we know na ilalaban namin 'to para maipanalo namin. 'Yun lang talaga, very aggressive kami para manalo,” Permentilla said.
With Nxled already out of the Final Four race following PLDT’s win over Strong Group Athletics, Permentilla and the Chameleons are eager to finish their campaign strong.
“Sa remaining games namin, last stretch ng for this season, siyempre we have high hopes of winning every game that we have,” Permentilla said.
“Maganda rin 'to na we came from a winning game. High morale kami for the next games. So sana ma-translate ulit namin sa training and sa next games namin na makuha ulit namin 'yung panalo. Bonus na 'yung panalo pero rest assured na talagang ilalaban talaga namin every point.”