Nxled import Megan Hart during a PVL strengthening meeting. – MARLO CUETO/INQUIRER.net
Megan Hart joined as a last minute addition for Nxled in the PVL Reinforced Conference.
She is already making plans to stay in the country for the long term.
“Winning the game is my No. 1 goal,” the 6-foot-2 middle blocker told the Inquirer after the Chameleons’ 25-19, 22-25, 25-18, 25-27, 15-12 victory over the Galleries Tower High Risers on Tuesday at PhilSports Arena.
“I’m very excited to be here. It’s always been my dream to play here.”
Hart is listed as one of two foreign players for the Chameleons, the other being Chinese outside spiker Zhang Xuanyao.
“It was a tough decision to make because we had been training. [Hart] For one day [Jiang] “They practiced longer with us,” assistant coach Raffy Mosuela said.
But Hart’s performance may have convinced management to keep her on permanently.
The former University of Colorado standout NCAA player scored 19 points and made seven strong blocks to lead New Zealand to a season-opening victory under new Chinese coach Chen Gang.
Despite only having one day of practice with his teammates, Hart seemed completely at home in Chen’s system.
“I feel like I’ve fit in really well and the girls have been super supportive,” she said.
“I want to say this [the game is] It’s a lot faster than it used to be. The plays are a little longer. It’s a quick transition, but again, I’ve been welcomed warmly and my teammates and the coaching staff have been very supportive.”
The Galleries also brought in veteran Thai player Suthatha Chuewlim, who arrived Monday night to replace Monique Helena. The Philippines is Hart’s first stop in Asia in her volleyball career. Prior to flying here, Hart had only played professionally overseas, in Cyprus.
The reception she received exceeded her expectations.
“Everyone was so nice and welcoming and asked to take pictures and stuff. Everyone was just amazing. As a volleyball player, you just want people to come and support you and come and watch the games,” she said.
May Luna also had a great game for Nxled, helping the Chameleons bounce back from a poor start in the deciding frame.
Chery Tiggo wins Nxled’s next opponent is Chery Tiggo in a battle between the teams who just won their conference openers.
In the second match, the Crossovers, with help from Kurt Bell, defeated Farm Fresh 25-13, 27-25, 25-22.
Bell led the Cherries with 23 points on 22 attempts and one block and will be a player to watch against the Chameleons.
Your subscription could not be saved. Please try again.
The subscription was successfully completed.
Nxled may have picked Hart, but the team is looking for a stronger connection between imports and local players as the conference progresses. [training] “Ultimately, we want to build team chemistry and coordination with our setter,” assistant coach Roden Tieu told the Inquirer. “That’s something we’re still lacking and something we’re trying to improve and build.” —Report by Investigator Lance Agaoiri
