Nxled finally ended its misery, snapping a harrowing four-game skid with a hard-earned four-set victory over ZUS Coffee, 20-25, 25-15, 25-23, 25-19, in the 2026 Premier Volleyball League All-Filipino Conference on Thursday at the Filoil Centre.
The Chameleons opened their campaign with three straight victories, but their momentum soon faded as they dropped four consecutive matches against Galeries Tower, Akari, Choco Mucho, and Creamline.
The much-needed win over the Thunderbelles lifted Nxled to an even 4-4 record, reviving its bid for a top-four finish.
Team captain Brooke Van Sickle delivered 20 points on 15 attacks, three service aces, and two kill blocks, to go along with 10 excellent digs and 12 excellent receptions for the resurgent Chameleons.
(C) PVL Images
“Yeah, I think we did. You know, just staying positive. I think the team has been doing a fantastic job, and the same with our coaching staff,” said the three-time league MVP.
“We’re just staying positive and staying optimistic and hungry every single day we step in the gym. So, despite the four losses, what I am really grateful for this team is that we know how to just keep going at it, right? So, there’s no giving up mentality,” she added.
Jonah Sabete-Escamillan, who started the tournament coming off the bench but gained heavier minutes throughout their losing skid, chipped in 19 big points on 16 attacks and three kill blocks, along with eight excellent receptions.
MJ Phillips scored 12 points, built on seven attacks, three kill blocks, and two service aces, while Myla Pablo added eight markers.
Jules Tolentino orchestrated the offense with 17 excellent sets, while Bang Pineda anchored the floor defense with 20 excellent digs for Nxled in the one-hour, 40-minute win.
“Well, thank you, no, na-break na namin yung three or four losing streak namin from previous games namin. So, pinaghandaan talaga namin itong game na to para at least tumaas yung moral namin toward incoming games,” said assistant coach Raffy Mosuela.
Next up for the Chameleons is a crucial showdown against league leader PLDT on Thursday at 4 p.m. at the same venue as they try to strengthen their bid for an outright qualifying-round berth.
(C) PVL Images
Meanwhile, ZUS Coffee fell to 1-7, remaining at the bottom of the standings and officially dropping the Thunderbelles into the play-in quarterfinals.
Thea Gagate topscored for the Thunderbelles with 16 points on 10 attacks and six of the team’s 10 kill blocks, while Cess Robles registered 13 points and seven excellent receptions.
Jovelyn Gonzaga added 13 points and 13 excellent digs, while Alyssa Eroa tallied 18 excellent digs and 12 excellent receptions.
ZUS Coffee will try to bounce back against Choco Mucho on Thursday at 6:30 p.m.
