Touted as one of the Premier Volleyball League’s brightest young setters, Nxled rookie playmaker Jules Tolentino is already making waves — but she’s far from resting on her laurels.
At just 23, the former De La Salle University standout feels determined to push herself to heights the franchise has never seen before.
After playing a pivotal role in Petro Gazz’s Reinforced Conference championship run last year, the 11th overall pick of the 2025 PVL Rookie Draft could have rested on her early achievements. Instead, she works relentlessly, driven by an unwavering desire to become the best version of herself.
That drive was on full display when she led Nxled to a commanding sweep of Cignal in the battle of unbeaten teams during the 2026 PVL All-Filipino Conference on Saturday at the Ynares Center in Antipolo.
Tolentino orchestrated the Chameleons’ attack with precision and flair, tallying 19 excellent sets and five points through two attacks, two kill blocks, and an ace. Her leadership guided Nxled to a thrilling 25-19, 25-22, 27-25 victory over the Super Spikers, keeping their unbeaten streak intact through three games.
(C) PVL Images
She also made sure to spread the wealth. Brooke Van Sickle and MJ Phillips each contributed 14 points, while Myla Pablo added 12. Then Lyann De Guzman chipped in nine markers, showcasing Nxled’s balanced offensive firepower.
For her standout performance, Tolentino was named the PVL Press Corps Player of the Week, presented by Pilipinas Live, for February 10–14.
“Lagi ko lang na mindset sa sarili ko na magwo-work hard lang ako. At kahit manalo o matalo, same pa rin yung attitude ko,” said Tolentino.
“Ayun, siguro po grateful din po sa mga nangyayari, but then again, I’m not really complacent. Kaya every day talaga gusto ko i-push yung sarili ko, kasi gusto ko talaga ma-reach yung highest potential ko,” she added.
The 6-foot-2 setter credits much of her growth to the guidance of veteran teammates, whose experience has been invaluable.
“Thankful sa mga Ates ko na they’re really used to that kind of situations, so sila po talaga ‘yung nag-step up nung mga last points. I’m really happy na puro veterans ‘yung kasama ko.”
Tolentino edged out Nxled teammate MJ Phillips, the Creamline duo of Bernadeth Pons and Jia De Guzman, PLDT’s Kianna Dy, ZUS Coffee’s Chinnie Arroyo, Farm Fresh’s Trisha Tubu, and Cignal’s Vanie Gandler for the weekly honor awarded by print and online reporters covering the league organized by Sports Vision.
Nxled now sets its sights on a fourth consecutive win against Galeries Tower on Thursday, 6:30 PM at the Filoil Centre, with the match streamed live and on demand via the Pilipinas Live app and on www.pvl.ph
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