Nxled pulled off one of the most stunning set reversals in recent memory, turning what appeared to be a lost frame into a resounding triumph that fueled its 25-23, 23-25, 25-23, 25-17 victory over Choco Mucho and propelled the Chameleons into a share of the lead in the PVL All-Filipino Conference Siklab Series at the Smart Araneta Coliseum late Tuesday night.
The match's defining moment came in the third set, when Choco Mucho seemed firmly in control, 22-14, and on the verge of seizing the upper hand after splitting the first two sets. But just when the Flying Titans appeared ready to put the Chameleons away, Nxled unleashed a breathtaking 11-1 finishing run, turning a seemingly comfortable Choco Mucho advantage into one of the most painful collapses of the series.
It was a stunning reversal of fortunes that changed the complexion of the match and, ultimately, proved decisive.
With the Flying Titans looking to close out the crucial swing set, Nxled steadily chipped away at their lead, refusing to surrender despite the mounting pressure. Choco Mucho, meanwhile, appeared to lose its offensive rhythm and defensive sharpness at the most crucial time, allowing the Chameleons to seize the initiative just as the set was slipping away.
Myla Pablo and Brooke Van Sickle spearheaded the explosive closing assault, combining firepower and composure to fuel Nxled's remarkable surge. The rally culminated in an MJ Phillips ace that the Flying Titans appeared to have judged as sailing long, only for the ball to drop in and seal the stunning turnaround.
The sequence sent Nxled coach Guidetti Etorre into an exuberant celebration, leaping off the sidelines with a triumphant fist pump as the Chameleons completed their improbable escape and claimed a 2-1 set advantage.
“It was truly a team effort. Choco Mucho is always a tough opponent, and we knew this would be a hard-fought battle. Every point was earned, but I’m proud of how we stayed together and fought through it,” said Van Sickle, who led the Chameleons with a triple-double of 19 points, 12 excellent digs and 10 receptions. She also provided a glimpse of her offensive versatility with a couple of blistering left-handed attacks.
For Choco Mucho, the third-set meltdown was more than just a missed opportunity. It was a crushing blow to a team that had looked capable of dictating the match, only to falter when it mattered most. The inability to protect its advantage in that pivotal stretch handed Nxled the momentum and left the Flying Titans with an uphill battle in the fourth.
Choco Mucho tried to regroup behind the efforts of Sisi Rondina-Rosales, Eya Laure, Caitlyn Viray and Kat Tolentino, but the damage had been done. With confidence surging after its third-set escape, Nxled refused to let up.
Van Sickle continued to lead the charge, with Pablo and Phillips providing crucial support as the Chameleons surged to an 11-7 lead and steadily pulled away to complete the victory in two hours and two minutes.
Nxled reached match point at 24-16 following a rushed, wide attack from Isa Molde. Although Viray prolonged the match by surviving the first match point during a tense exchange, Van Sickle sealed the Chameleons' epic come-from-behind victory with a powerful kill through a double block.
“We had a slow start, but we gradually found our rhythm and built momentum. I’m proud of everyone for staying resilient,” said Van Sickle.
She credited the team’s composure and unity for their ability to bounce back after dropping a set and trailing by a big margin, emphasizing the importance of staying focused regardless of the score.
“We just kept reminding ourselves to stay together, just as coach Guidetti kept telling us. It doesn’t matter how many sets you’re up or how many points you have. What matters is that we stay together and keep fighting,” she added.
But the Chameleons’ dominance was not limited to their firepower and resilience, as they also showcased their superb net defense, finishing with 13 blocks – eight more than the Flying Titans.
The win extended Nxled's winning streak to four and lifted its record to a share of the conference lead with Creamline, further underscoring the Chameleons' growing threat in the first of three series.
Choco Mucho, meanwhile, slipped to 3-2, left to rue a golden opportunity to take command of the match. What could have been a crucial breakthrough in the third set instead became the turning point of its latest setback – a collapse that Nxled seized on with remarkable conviction.
Phillips and Pablo finished with 13 and 12 points, respectively, while Jonah Escamillan and Jackie Acuña chipped in nine points apiece.
Despite being outscored in attacks, 61-56, the Chameleons capitalized on their edge in blocking and recorded four service aces against the Flying Titans’ two.
Nxled also benefited from Choco Mucho’s 25 unforced errors, while committing just 19 of its own, helping the Chameleons secure the advantage.
