Nxled kept its perfect record intact, outlasting Choco Mucho in a tense four-set battle, 25-23, 23-25, 25-23, 25-17, to claim a share of the lead in the 2026 Premier Volleyball League All-Filipino Conference on Tuesday night at the SMART Araneta Coliseum.
The Chameleons weathered three tightly contested sets before pulling away in the fourth to secure their fourth consecutive victory and draw level with defending champion Creamline at the top of the standings with identical 4-0 records.
(C) PVL Images
“Well, this is maturity and pressure-tested success, so I’m really happy about that. They didn’t give up a single ball, and the first set was tough. The second one was really tough, too, because Choco’s second starting six played amazingly,” said Nxled head coach Ettore Guidetti.
“So, you know, the strategy is mixed every time because what worked last time might not work this time. It was very difficult because the gap was really big, and we started to have a very good side-out. Then we started to work really, really well with our block and defense,” he added.
Brooke Van Sickle delivered an all-around performance with 19 points on 17 attacks and two kill blocks. She also anchored the Chameleons’ floor defense with 12 excellent digs and 10 excellent receptions.
MJ Phillips chipped in 13 points on nine attacks, three blocks, and one ace, while Myla Pablo contributed 12 points in the victory.
Jonah Sabete-Escamillan came close to a double-double with nine points and 10 excellent receptions, while Jackie Acuna also finished with nine markers. Gel Cayuna orchestrated Nxled’s offense with 18 excellent sets.
The Flying Titans held the advantage in attacks, 61-56, but the Chameleons made up for it with their trademark presence at the net, dominating the blocking department, 13-5. Nxled also held a slim 4-2 advantage in service aces.
The Chameleons further capitalized on Choco Mucho’s 25 unforced errors while committing just 19 of their own in the two-hour contest.
(C) PVL Images
The loss dropped the Flying Titans to a 3-2 record, keeping them in third place in the standings. They failed to build on their bounce-back victory over Galeries Tower, which came after an earlier setback against Farm Fresh.
Eya Laure led Choco Mucho with 18 points on 16 attacks, one ace, and one block, while Sisi Rondina-Rosales added 14 markers and eight excellent receptions in her first start of the conference.
Caitlin Viray contributed 10 points off the bench, while Maddie Madayag chipped in eight markers.
Alina Bicar dished out 16 excellent sets, while Dawn Catindig and Thang Ponce recorded 15 and 11 excellent digs, respectively, as they shared libero duties.
The Flying Titans will look to bounce back against Akari on Saturday at 6 p.m. at the Philsports Arena in Pasig City.
