Having already played in the conference, Meegan Hart and Sutadta Jarawat will be Nxled and Galeries Tower’s import, respectively, for the rest of their campaigns.
The 2024 PVL Reinforced Conference opened with an exciting match between the Nxled Chameleons and the Galeries Tower Highrisers at the PhilSports Arena in Pasig City on Tuesday, July 16.
Both teams, however, faced last-minute changes to their imports before the opener, highlighting the league's strict one-import policy.
The Highrisers initially chose Brazilian outside spiker Monique Helena as their import, but switched to Thai veteran Sutadta Jarawat due to physical issues with Helena.
According to PVL Commissioner Sherwin Malonzo, Helena experienced muscle strains that prevented her from performing, prompting Galeries Tower to find a quick replacement in Chuewulim.
Similarly, the Chameleons replaced their initial Chinese import Jiang Xuanyao with American middle blocker Meegan Hart. The decision was based on the team's preference and readiness, with Hart ultimately chosen to fill the import slot.
[ALSO READ: PVL: Nxled, Galeries Tower change imports ahead of Reinforced Conference opener]
Nxled came away with a hard-fought five-set victory against the Galeries Tower, 25-19, 22-25, 25-18, 25-27, 15-12.
With Hart and Jarawat having already played in the conference, this means that the two will be Nxled and Galeries Tower’s import for the rest of their campaign.
“‘Yung naglaro kanina, that's it. 'Yun na 'yung final. Touch move, kumbaga,” Malonzo emphasized.
Meneses highlighted that each team is allowed only one import, noting that the PVL only allows changes to imports under two conditions.
“Number one is kung na-injure yung player during the conference na. Hindi pre-conference. During the conference, you can only replace the player if she gets injured,” said Malonzo.
“Number two, abandonment of commitment. If she suddenly disappears, goes home, or biglang 'ayaw ko na maglaro.’ Parang hindi siya nag ano, biglang nilayasan sila. That's the time they can replace,” he added.
As the conference unfolds, all eyes will be on the Chameleons and Highrisers as they navigate the competition with their selected imports.