Nxled believes Gel Cayuna is the missing piece that can finally complete the Chameleons’ climb toward contention in the Premier Volleyball League.
After overhauling its roster ahead of the 2026 PVL All-Filipino Conference with the additions of Brooke Van Sickle, MJ Phillips, and Myla Pablo, Nxled still fell short of its breakthrough, missing the semifinals and settling for fifth place.
Determined to take the next step, the Chameleons made their biggest offseason move by acquiring Cayuna from the now-defunct Cignal squad, hoping the veteran setter can complete the rebuild for a franchise that has yet to reach the semifinals in its four years in the league.
Nxled has begun laying the foundation for the 2026-27 season in the PVL On Tour Showdown, where Cayuna is building chemistry with her new teammates.
“We touched one of the positions that is mostly important. That is the setter. That’s basically the coach on the floor. So it’s super important for us to create connection,” said head coach Ettore Guidetti after Nxled’s 25-17, 25-23, 25-18 victory over Capital1 at the CHAVIT Coliseum in Vigan City, Ilocos Sur on Saturday.
(C) PVL Images
The five-time PVL Best Setter finished with 17 excellent sets in her debut for the Chameleons, orchestrating a balanced attack that powered Nxled to a convincing straight-set victory.
Pablo, one of the team’s veteran leaders, has been helping Cayuna adjust to her new environment, reminding the seasoned playmaker to trust the process and not get discouraged by the inevitable growing pains.
“Well, Gel Cayuna is one of the best setters talaga sa PVL. Nung una talaga medyo nahirapan talaga lahat kasi ‘yung communication ng bawat isa pero ngayon naman, nakukuha niya ‘yung mga gusto set ng mga spikers din talaga,” said Pablo, who led Nxled with 17 points against the Solar Spikers.
“Sabi ko kay Gel, patience lang talaga and huwag siyang mataranta and pangunahan lahat ng ginagawa niya.”
Jonah Sabete-Escamillan contributed 13 points, while Phillips and Jovelyn Fernandez chipped in seven and six markers, respectively.
Nxled, however, will have to wait a little longer to see Cayuna team up with Van Sickle, as the three-time PVL MVP is expected to miss the entire PVL On Tour Showdown due to a minor right shoulder injury.
The Chameleons will next face the much-improved Galeries Tower on August 1 in the PVL’s first-ever stop in Polomolok, South Cotabato.
