Nxled dominates PLDT, opens PVL campaign on a high note

The Nxled Chameleons aced their first test with flying colors after sweeping the PLDT High Speed Hitters, 25-16, 25-20, 25-18, to kick off their Premier Volleyball League All-Filipino Conference campaign with a bang on Oct. 13, 2026, at the SMART Araneta Coliseum.

Nxled’s high-octane attack proved to be too much for PLDT, banking on a collective effort from Brooke Van Sickle, Myla Pablo, Jackie Acuña and Jonah Sabete-Escamillan.

To neutralize PLDT’s signature middle blocking, the Chameleons decided to play faster than their usual pace as they fired on all cylinders to set the tone early in the first set.

Nxled went to Van Sickle as she helped her team extend its lead to as many as 10 points in the opening set. From her down-the-line spikes to her crafty off-speed shots, the three-time league MVP led the Chameleons to a dream start against one of the best defensive teams in the PVL.

The second set was a tighter encounter as PLDT found its groove midway through the frame, courtesy of Savannah Davison’s resurgence on the offensive end.

Despite a slow offensive start, PLDT still went to Davison in hopes of getting her going, and that paid off when the High Speed Hitters pulled to within two points.

Unfortunately, the duo of Pablo and Acuña spoiled PLDT’s comeback hopes after staging a late 4-0 run to establish a commanding 2-0 advantage.

PLDT tried to send more help whenever Nxled fed Van Sickle in her sweet spots, but that defensive shift set the stage for Escamillan and EJ Cariño to sustain the Chameleons’ surge.

The 1-2 punch picked up where Van Sickle left off as they spearheaded another Nxled eruption late in the third set to officially seal the impressive 3-0 sweep.

Van Sickle was the star of the show after leading Nxled’s all-around attack with 11 points built on 10 successful attacks, alongside eight excellent digs and one block.

Backstopping Van Sickle were Pablo and Acuña, who each chipped in nine points, while Cariño and Escamillan added seven points apiece.

On the other hand, PLDT’s main gunner, Davison, was limited to 10 points on a dismal 8-of-43 attack rate.

The Chameleons will look to sustain their hot PVL start on Oct. 17 against the Farm Fresh Foxies, while PLDT aims to bounce back on Oct. 20 against the Akari Chargers.