Nxled Chameleons overcome setback, seize solo PVL lead

Games Saturday, Oct. 24

(Playtime FilOil Centre)

1 p.m. – PLDT vs. Capital1

3:30 p.m. – VNS vs. Clearskiin (Spikers’ Turf)

6 p.m. – Creamline vs. ZUS Coffee

PASAY CITY — Nxled overcame a second-set setback with a decisive surge in the closing frames, overpowering Galeries Tower, 25-16, 22-25, 25-17, 25-19, to seize the solo lead in the 2026 Premier Volleyball League (PVL) All-Filipino Conference Siklab Series on Thursday, Oct. 22, at the SM Mall of Asia Arena.

Powered by a strong blocking game and a balanced offensive attack, the Chameleons regained their rhythm after surrendering the second set, dominating the next two frames to stretch their unbeaten run to three matches.

The victory gave Nxled a 3-0 record and established the Chameleons as the conference’s early frontrunners.

Nxled’s blocking prowess continued to stand out as the Chameleons recorded 14 blocks against Galeries Tower after tallying 23 against Farm Fresh last week.

Their defensive strength proved instrumental in containing the Highrisers, complementing Nxled’s offensive advantage and underscoring the team’s growing confidence early in the conference.

“Well, it’s nice to see that we have the same resilience that we showed in the last part of the PVL On Tour, and especially during the Invitational. So we started definitely following the same line. So I see a bunch of determination in the team,” said Nxled head coach Ettore Guidetti.

The Chameleons will have nearly two weeks to recover and prepare before facing the Choco Mucho Flying Titans on Nov. 3 at 6 p.m. at the Smart Araneta Coliseum.

The upcoming showdown could carry significant implications for the early conference standings, with both teams emerging as strong contenders.

Choco Mucho was seeking to match Nxled’s unbeaten start against Farm Fresh at press time, potentially setting up a clash between two of the league’s hottest teams.

Balanced Nxled attack

Jonah Sabete-Escamillan spearheaded the Chameleons’ offense with a game-high 22 points, including three blocks, while adding nine excellent receptions and six excellent digs.

MJ Phillips contributed 14 points on 11 attacks and three kill blocks as Nxled maintained its advantage at the net.

Three-time MVP Brooke Van Sickle delivered another all-around performance, finishing with 12 points and 13 excellent digs to help the Chameleons complete the victory in one hour and 45 minutes.

Setter Gel Cayuna directed Nxled’s offense with 20 excellent sets while contributing eight points.

Veteran libero Bang Pineda anchored the team’s floor defense with 10 excellent digs.

Nxled finished with a commanding 14-4 advantage in blocks and a 61-46 edge in attacks, highlighting its dominance on both ends of the court.

The statistics reflected the Chameleons’ ability to control the match despite temporarily losing momentum in the second set.

Galeries Tower found its rhythm in the second frame, taking advantage of Nxled’s lapses to level the match at one set apiece.

The Chameleons quickly responded in the third set, regaining control through sharper attacks and tighter net defense.

Nxled sustained its pressure in the fourth frame, preventing the Highrisers from mounting another comeback and securing its third consecutive victory.

“I see the team definitely more calm and serene, even if we are facing difficult situations, because this conference is made of teams that are all very good. There is not a single team that you can consider weak,” said Guidetti. “And so it’s really important to see that this kind of energy is definitely being constant.”

Galeries Tower remains winless after third defeat

Galeries Tower remained winless after absorbing its third consecutive loss in the conference.

Alyssa Bertolano led the Highrisers with 13 points, seven excellent digs and six excellent receptions despite coming off the bench.

Jean Asis added eight points, while Erika Deloria and Lycha Ebon contributed seven points apiece.

Setter Lams Lamina registered six excellent sets as Galeries Tower struggled to establish a consistent offensive rhythm against Nxled’s imposing defense.

The Highrisers showed signs of improvement in the second set but could not sustain their momentum against the Chameleons’ more balanced attack.

Galeries Tower will attempt to secure its first victory when it faces the Choco Mucho Flying Titans on Tuesday, Oct. 27, at 6 p.m. at the Ninoy Aquino Stadium.

For Nxled, the unbeaten start reinforces its status as an early contender in the All-Filipino Conference, with its combination of blocking, offensive depth and improved composure emerging as key strengths.

The Chameleons will look to carry that momentum into their next assignment against Choco Mucho as the race for the conference’s top positions intensifies.