Nxled continued its blazing start to the season, outlasting Galeries Tower in a gripping straight-set thriller, 26-24, 25-23, 25-23, to earn a gritty victory in the 2025 PVL On Tour on Tuesday at the Filoil EcoOil Centre.
The Chameleons faced a formidable challenge from the Highrisers but rose to the occasion, overcoming every hurdle en route to a franchise-best 3-0 start — tying PLDT for the top spot in Pool A with identical records.
“First of all, it’s a false 3-0 because it’s 26-24, 25-23. 25-23. So it was a very tough battle,” said Nxled head coach Etorre Guidetti. “It was a very tough battle. Honestly, we won when we started being a team in the middle of the first set.
“One moment, I think it was 13-4, so we started to play with patience in our system, passing very good, increasing a little bit the system of passing. My open spikers and my opposite have done very good work, that’s why.”
(C) PVL Images
Facing a daunting 14-3 deficit early in the opening set, Nxled — buoyed by the presence of actor Donny Pangilinan, who showed up in support following the team’s public request during their game in Batangas — mounted a spirited comeback.
The team stole the frame and shifted the momentum in what turned out to be a hard-earned, one-hour and 40-minute win.
The Chameleons also weathered a late rally from Galeries in the second set, then passed another tight test in the third, where the Highrisers clawed their way back from an 18-21 deficit before Nxled ultimately sealed the win.
EJ Cariño and team captain Chiara Permentilla delivered the crucial blows after Galeries tied the game at 21. The two buried back-to-back heavy attacks that restored order for the Chameleons and put them ahead by two, 23-21.
The Highrisers, as they’d done all game long, put up another stand with Jewel Encarnacion and Winnie Bedaña connecting on consecutive plays to lock the game at 23-all.
Cariño then broke through the block to bring Nxled to match point, before Jov Fernandez delivered a thunderous attack that deflected off the Galeries blockers’ hands to seal the victory.
The 27-year-old Cariño led the Chameleons with 16 points — 14 coming off attacks — while also contributing nine excellent receptions.
Fernandez continues to thrive with her new squad, finishing with 14 points and earning Player of the Game honors.
Permentilla also delivered an all-around performance with 13 points, six excellent digs, and nine excellent receptions, as Nxled carried over its momentum from a surprising 2-0 sweep of the Batangas leg.
Jaja Maraguinot tossed 15 excellent sets to steer the offense, laced with seven excellent digs.
The Chameleons aim to make it four victories in a row when they go up against Farm Fresh in Cebu on July 27.
(C) PVL Images
On the other hand, Galeries failed to get one on the board as they dropped to 0-3 in the standings.
Jewel Encarnacion top scored for the Highrisers with 15 points to go along with five excellent digs and seven excellent receptions. Meanwhile, second overall pick Jean Asis tallied 11 points on eight attacks, two kill blocks, and one ace.
Galeries will also take on the Foxies in search of its first win on July 26.
