Written by Akari Sports Staff | Photo from the PVL
NXLED, unleashing its full depth, stopped Cignal in straight-set fashion, 25-19, 25-22, 27-25, to become the lone unbeaten team in the Premier Volleyball League All-Filipino Conference at the Ynares Center in Antipolo on Saturday.
The Chameleons showed maturity. After surrendering a 23-21 lead in the third set, they regrouped following a shaky stretch that saw them give up three straight points, including two on mishits.
Refusing to fold, Nxled clawed back from two set points, with Brooke Van Sickle igniting her team after a series of tense exchanges to reclaim the lead for the Chameleons.
The Super Spikers tried to turn things and feed Vanie Gandler for a counter, but the Alas Pilipinas standout misfired, sending the ball wide. Cignal challenged a potential block touch, but video review confirmed the point – and with it, the set and the match – for the rising Chameleons.
Nxled rose to 3-0.
“We came into the game knowing it wouldn’t be easy, so everyone really pushed in training and stayed focused,” said playmaker Jules Tolentino.
Reflecting on their composure under pressure, Tolentino highlighted the team’s chemistry: “It’s the connection between each player, which we’ve been polishing in training.”
Tolentino finished the match with 19 excellent sets, two blocks, and a service ace for a five-point effort.
“Hopefully, in the upcoming games, we can gel even more as a team,” said Tolentino.
Van Sickle led the Chameleons with 14 points, nine receptions, and six digs, while MJ Phillips also scored 14 points, including two blocks. Myla Pablo had a match-best three blocks for a 12-point outing that went along with seven receptions, while rookie Lyann de Guzman scored nine points and collected eight digs.
Nxled will look to extend its streak against Galeries Tower on Thursday.
