Nxled shook off a second-set setback with a decisive surge in the closing frames, overpowering Galeries Tower, 25-16, 22-25, 25-17, 25-19, to seize the solo lead in the 2026 Premier Volleyball League All-Filipino Conference Siklab series on Thursday at the SM Mall of Asia Arena.
Powered by a stifling blocking game and a balanced offensive attack, the Chameleons rediscovered their rhythm after surrendering the second set, shutting down the Highrisers in the next two frames to stretch their unbeaten run to three games and establish themselves as the conference’s early pacesetters.
Nxled’s blocking prowess continued to stand out, as the Chameleons hammered down 14 blocks against Galeries Tower after racking up 23 against the Farm Foxies last week.
The defensive wall proved instrumental in keeping the Highrisers at bay, complementing Nxled’s attacking advantage and underscoring the team’s growing confidence early in the conference.
“Well, it's nice to see that we have the same resilience that we showed in the last part of the PVL On Tour, and especially during the Invitational. So we started definitely following the same line. So I see a bunch of determination in the team,” said Nxled head coach Ettore Guidetti.
The Chameleons will have nearly two weeks to recharge before returning to action against the Choco Mucho Flying Titans in a marquee showdown between two of the conference’s hottest teams on Nov. 3 at 6 p.m. at the Smart Araneta Coliseum.
Choco Mucho was seeking to match Nxled’s blistering start against Farm Fresh at presstime, setting the stage for a potentially high-stakes clash between the league’s early contenders.
Jonah Sabete-Escamillan spearheaded the Chameleons’ charge with a game-high 22 points, adding three blocks, nine excellent receptions and six excellent digs in a superb all-around performance.
MJ Phillips chipped in 14 points on 11 attacks and three kill blocks, while three-time MVP Brooke Van Sickle delivered a double-double of 12 points and 13 excellent digs as Nxled wrapped up the one-hour, 45-minute encounter.
Gel Cayuna orchestrated the Chameleons’ attack with 20 excellent sets while contributing eight points, and veteran libero Bang Pineda anchored the floor defense with 10 excellent digs.
Nxled finished with a commanding 14-4 advantage in blocks and a 61-46 edge in attacks, making the difference in a match that briefly threatened to slip away after the Chameleons’ second-set letdown.
Galeries Tower found its footing in the second frame to level the match, but Nxled quickly regained control, dictating the pace in the third set before sustaining the pressure in the fourth to put away the Highrisers.
“I see the team definitely more calm and serene, even if we are facing difficult situations, because this conference is made of teams that are all very good. There is not a single team that you can consider weak,” said Guidetti. “And so it's really important to see that this kind of energy is definitely being constant.”
Galeries Tower, meanwhile, remained winless after absorbing its third straight defeat.
Alyssa Bertolano led the Highrisers with 13 points, seven excellent digs and six excellent receptions off the bench. Jean Asis added eight points, while Erika Deloria and Lycha Ebon chipped in seven apiece. Lams Lamina managed six excellent sets as Galeries Tower struggled to sustain its offensive rhythm against Nxled’s imposing defense.
The Highrisers will seek to break into the win column against the Flying Titans on Tuesday at 6 p.m. at the Ninoy Aquino Stadium.
