‘PVL OUTAGE’: Nxled disconnects Cignal in massive sweep

By Leobert Julian A. de la Peña

Someone’s 0 had to go.

And on the height of Valentine’s Day, the Nxled Chameleons dealt the Cignal Super Spikers their biggest heartbreak of the Premier Volleyball League (PVL) game week.

In the battle of the PVL’s undefeated top teams, Nxled proved to be the superior squad after handing Cignal its first loss of the All-Filipino Conference via a lopsided sweep, 25-19, 25-22, 27-25, to claim the solo lead with a 3-0 win-loss record in the ongoing tournament at the Ynares Center.

After dropping only two sets across three straight wins, the Super Spikers experienced their most turbulent PVL game, facing a laser-focused Chameleons team that nearly played perfect volleyball in the first two sets to zoom to a 2-0 advantage.

All those efficient back-row and cross-court attacks that wove magic against Galeries, Choco Mucho, and Farm Fresh were read like an open book by the prepared Chameleons, as veteran middle blocker MJ Phillips and the rest of the Nxled defenders did their homework to slow down Cignal’s signature high-octane attack.

However, Cignal was close to keeping its hopes alive after escaping a 14-19 hole in the third set, turning things around through a much-needed balanced offensive attack spearheaded by Tin Tiamzon and Erin Pangilinan.

The Super Spikers reached set point, 24-23, and were only a conversion away from forcing a fourth frame, but Phillips wouldn’t let that happen after hammering a swift attack to level the third set at 24-all.

That missed opportunity haunted Cignal, as Nxled bounced back from the ropes and reverted to playing aggressively to get back into an optimal position.

Reigning PVL Most Valuable Player Brooke Van Sickle gave Nxled a 26-25 cushion before Vanie Gandler’s unforced attack error helped the Chameleons complete the 3-0 sweep.

Van Sickle once again delivered when Nxled needed her the most, especially in that nerve-wracking third set, dropping 14 points, nine excellent receptions, and six excellent digs.

The duo of Phillips and Myla Pablo matched Van Sickle’s offensive production, while rookie setter Jules Tolentino orchestrated the Nxled mayhem with 19 excellent sets alongside five markers.

The Chameleons seek to continue their unbeaten All-Filipino Conference run on Feb. 19, 2026, against the Tower Highrisers, while Cignal aims to regroup and bounce back on Feb. 24, 2026, against the PLDT High Speed Hitters.