Chameleons rip Chargers, book semis passage

MANILA, Philippines — Nxled got the job done versus sibling rival Akari, pulling off a 27-25, 25-22, 26-24 win yesterday to punch the first semi final ticket in the PVL All-Filipino Conference Pulse Series at the Smart Araneta Coliseum.

“We just stuck it out together and stayed resilient and very patient,” said Nxled star Brooke Van Sickle, who did not need to do that much – with 10 points – because of the squad’s balanced offensive.

“I’m very proud that we stuck to it and didn’t care about what the score was,” she added.

After securing a place in the semis, the Chameleons now set their sights on finishing in the top two for the twice-to-beat bonus in the semis.

Nxled is bent on eclipsing its best finish in the league – a runner-up effort in the Invitational early in the year – and capturing a breakthrough championship.

It is also bracing for a much-awaited showdown with 11-time league titlist Creamline on Tuesday at the Mall of Asia Arena in what could potentially be a title preview of this conference.

Van Sickle has enjoyed the luxury of her other teammates stepping up while she recovers fully from a right shoulder injury that has cost her the PVL on Tour and Invitational this year.