In a comeback fueled by Ivy Lacsina’s standout performance, Nxled overcame Capital1, 25-13, 25-23, 25-22, in the Premier Volleyball League All-Filipino Conference at the Philsports Arena in Pasig Tuesday.
Lacsina poured in the bulk of her 12-point output in the final set that saw the Chameleons rally from 2-8 down to force a tie at 12. The Solar Spikers fought back and regained the lead at 16-15 but Lacsina kept delivering hit after hit as Nxled surged ahead again at 22-18 and stayed in control.
Lacsina’s relentless attacks, coupled with crucial points from Camille Victoria, sealed the one-hour, 28-minute victory for the Chameleons.
The win didn't only lift Nxled to a 4-6 record, tying with its sister team Akari, but it also boosted its confidence as the Chameleons head into their final preliminary match against semifinalist Petro Gazz Angels on Saturday.
Meanwhile, Capital1, now at 1-9, faced disappointment despite a strong start in the third set. Despite efforts from Lourdes Clemente and Jorelle Singh, the Solar Spikers couldn't withstand Nxled's resurgence, ultimately succumbing to their opponent's pressure.
Coach Roger Gorayeb's squad showed resilience but faltered in the crucial moments, allowing Nxled to seize control and secure the victory.
After the Solar Spikers threatened last at 21-23, Victoria took over and scored on a push and a blast to wrap it up for the Chameleons.
Capital1, meanwhile, aims to regroup and bounce back in their final match against fancied Cignal.
Victoria went on to top-score with 17 points, while Jho Maraguinot and Jaila Atienza added eight and five points, respectively, for the Chameleons, who produced 40 attack points, 13 more than the Solar Spikers.
Clemente hit 10 points, while Singh added eight markers, and Arriane Layug, Shirley Salamagos, and Rovena Instrella combined for 15 points for the Solar Spikers, who scored five aces compared to their opponent’s two.
Capital1 looked poised to extend the match after pulling ahead early in the third. But as the Chameleons mounted their comeback, the Solar Spikers started to crumble, failing to counter their rivals’ assaults, anchored on the power-hitting Lascina.
