RODRRIGUEZ, Rizal — Nxled survived a tough challenge from Capital1 in the second set en route to a 25-18, 28-26, 25-18 sweep, earning its second consecutive win in the 2026 Premier Volleyball League All-Filipino Conference Saturday at the Ynares Center Montalban here.
The quartet of Brooke Van Sickle, Myla Pablo, Lyann de Guzman, and MJ Phillips once again led the Chameleons, who joined Cignal as the early frontrunners in the 10-team field with identical 2-0 records.
Nxled initially found itself on the back foot but battled fiercely in an extended second set, showing poise and precision to stay within reach and eventually force the deciding set.
Despite the pressure, the Chameleons carried their momentum into the third set, taking control midway and sealing the match in one hour and 29 minutes.
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“We are in the beginning of the season, it’s only the second match, it’s a roller coaster for everyone. But at the same time, we know that we have a big target on us. So for everyone, it’s a kind of boost to play against us,” said Nxled head coach Ettore Guidetti.
“Today, Capital1 played a really good game, so we struggled in the side out. Luckily, the break point was working really great so we had the possibility to close the gap more than two or three times and to lead again,” he added.
Four players finished in double figures for Nxled, led by reigning MVP Van Sickle and Pablo. Van Sickle recorded a triple-double with 15 points, 12 excellent digs, and 12 excellent receptions, while Pablo also had 15 markers.
De Guzman, now part of the starting unit after coming off the bench in their debut win over Farm Fresh, added 13 points, while Phillips contributed 10 on six attacks and four kill blocks.
Djanel Cheng, who came off the bench in the first two sets before starting in the third, orchestrated the offense with 13 excellent sets. Veteran libero Bang Pineda anchored the defense with 13 excellent digs and 11 excellent receptions.
Nxled will aim for a third straight victory against the Super Spikers on February 14 at 4 p.m. at the Ynares Center Antipolo.
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Meanwhile, the Solar Spikers slipped to 1-1 and will look to bounce back against PLDT on Thursday, 4 p.m. at the Filoil Centre.
Coming off a professional career-high 26 points against ZUS Coffee, Bella Belen had another strong showing with 23 points in straight sets on 21 attacks and two aces, along with nine excellent digs.
However, unlike their opening game, Belen received little support, with Shaya Adorador the only other double-digit scorer, finishing with 10 points, eight excellent digs, and eight excellent receptions.
Ezra Madrigal added seven points on four attacks and three blocks, while Ysa Jimenez was limited to five points after scoring 13 in their opener. Jasmine Nabor and Roma Mae Doromal played their first match for Capital1 after missing the debut win against the Thunderbelles.
