PVL: Nxled banks on third-set comeback to stun Choco Mucho

The Nxled Chameleons leaned on a jaw-dropping third-set performance to shock the Choco Mucho Flying Titans, 25-23, 23-25, 25-23, 25-17, and remained undefeated in the ongoing Premier Volleyball League All-Filipino Conference Siklab Series on Nov. 3, 2026, at the SMART Araneta Coliseum.

After a seesaw affair in the first two sets, the Chameleons found another gear midway through the third set, overcoming a 14-22 deficit to flip the switch and prevent the Flying Titans from grabbing a 2-1 lead.

It was a highly competitive showdown from the get-go as Nxled drew first blood behind timely hits from Brooke Van Sickle and the defensive prowess of middle blocker MJ Phillips.

Just when Nxled thought it could sustain its momentum, the Flying Titans received a much-needed boost from their bench, led by outside hitter Caitlin Viray, who backstopped Eya Laure’s offensive efforts.

The massive turnaround took place in the third set when Choco Mucho knocked on the door with a commanding 22-14 advantage.

Despite the wide gap, the Chameleons stuck with their brand of volleyball and kicked off their comeback rally with a more disciplined defensive approach.

Steering Nxled’s rejuvenated defense was Phillips, whose block touches gave the Chameleons back-to-back points.

Van Sickle then sparked a momentum-snatching 8-0 run to equalize things at 22-all, backed by Myla Pablo’s timely crosscourt hits.

Deadlocked at 23-all, Nxled head coach Ettore Guidetti decided to challenge a block touch on Pablo’s spike attempt, which paid dividends after the official review awarded the point to Nxled for a 24-23 set-point cushion.

With momentum on their side after completing a 10-1 surge, Phillips iced the third set with an impressive service ace, helping the Chameleons survive a tough test of character while moving a set away from sealing the 3-1 win.

Deflated by what transpired in the third set, Choco Mucho committed errors at the start of the fourth set, allowing the Chameleons to take advantage and build an early 15-10 lead.

Nxled then didn’t look back, wrapping up the fourth-set win with a dominant display, capped by Van Sickle’s off-the-block kill.

Van Sickle spearheaded Nxled’s convincing win with 19 points on 17 successful attacks, alongside 12 excellent digs and 10 excellent receptions.

Phillips contributed 13 points, including three blocks and one ace; Pablo chipped in 12 points, while Jonah Sabete-Escamillan and Jackie Acuna added nine points apiece.

Both teams will return to action on Nov. 7, with Nxled gunning for its fifth straight win against Bella Belen and the Capital1 Solar Spikers, while Choco Mucho seeks to rebound against the Akari Chargers.