Nxled bounced back in a big way, taking down defending champion PLDT in straight sets, 25-19, 25-22, 25-20, for its first win in the 2026 Premier Volleyball League Invitational Conference on Tuesday at the Smart Araneta Coliseum.
The Chameleons were coming off a loss to the Jaja Santiago-led Creamline but refused to let the setback linger. Instead, the team mounted a spirited response to secure their first win of the tournament and even their record at 1-1.
With Nxled just a set away from victory but trailing 14-16 at the second technical timeout of the third set, MJ Phillips and Lyann De Guzman took matters into their own hands. The two combined for six points in a blistering 8-0 run that completely turned the tide and gave the Chameleons a commanding 22-16 lead.
(C) PVL Images
In an unusual sequence, libero Kath Arado stopped the bleeding for the High Speed Hitters after a miscommunication on the Chameleons’ receive gifted PLDT an unlikely point. Savannah Davison followed it up with a powerful hit to cut the deficit to four.
From there, both squads traded blows, but PLDT never found an opening to halt the Chameleons’ momentum. Leila Cruz, playing her first game with the High Speed Hitters, then committed an attack error that sealed the win for Nxled.
“Well, today, I think that simply confirms that we are playing pretty good volleyball. Yesterday, I should say that we played another pretty good match. And today, we’re confirming our pretty moment of volleyball playing. We’re getting better,” said Chameleons head coach Ettore Guidetti.
“Today, definitely, the block and defense has worked better compared to yesterday. We served really, really much better. And this is a connection that helps a lot if you want to win against a very good team,” he added.
Phillips led Nxled with 13 points on eight attacks, four aces, and one block, while Myla Pablo chipped in 12 points and nine excellent digs. De Guzman also finished with 10 points and nine excellent digs.
Jonah Sabete-Escamilla made her presence felt with a solid two-way performance, finishing with nine points and 15 excellent receptions. Gel Cayuna orchestrated the offense with 15 excellent sets to go with three points.
The Chameleons will look to sustain their momentum when they take on Thai squad Est Cola on Thursday at 6:30 PM at the same venue.
(C) PVL Images
Meanwhile, the High Speed Hitters slipped to 1-1 after seeing their strong start to the tournament halted following a 25-23, 25-15, 26-28, 25-14 victory over Thai side Est Cola.
Davison was the lone bright spot for PLDT, finishing with 20 points and 16 excellent receptions.
The High Speed Hitters will aim to return to the win column when they take on Ho Chi Minh City at 4:00 PM on Thursday.
