Chameleons bounce back, sweep shorthanded Solar Spikers

Nxled returned to the win column in the 2026 Premier Volleyball League (PVL) On Tour Showdown with a straight-set victory over a shorthanded Capital1 side, 25-17, 25-23, 25-18, on Saturday at the Chavit Coliseum.

Coming off a four-set loss to Creamline in its tournament opener, the Chameleons relied on their depth and balanced offense to improve to 1-1 despite playing without reigning PVL MVP Brooke Van Sickle.

Capital1, meanwhile, opened its campaign without national team standouts Bella Belen, Erika Santos, and Vanie Gandler. The Solar Spikers slipped to 0-1 despite pushing Nxled in the second and third sets.

After a comfortable opening-set victory, Nxled faced stiffer resistance as Capital1 kept the next two frames close. The Chameleons, however, delivered in key moments to complete the sweep.

Jonah Escamillan ignited the decisive run in the third set, scoring three straight attacks to break an 18-all tie and give Nxled a 21-18 lead.

Myla Pablo and MJ Phillips followed with back-to-back points in extended rallies before Pablo rejected Ysa Jimenez at the net to bring the Chameleons to match point. EJ Laure then sealed the victory with a service ace.

Pablo earned Player of the Game honors after finishing with a match-high 17 points on 13 attacks and four blocks.

"We just enjoyed the game and followed the instructions of our coaches on what we needed to do inside the court. We were also happy because we were able to execute everything we worked on in training over the past few days," Pablo said in Filipino.

"We played without putting pressure on ourselves, and our communication was a big factor. Everyone stayed connected and trusted each other instead of trying to do everything individually."

Escamillan added 13 points, including two blocks, while Phillips contributed seven markers. Jovelyn Fernandez scored six points, Lyann De Guzman had five, and Laure and Chiara Permentilla finished with four points apiece.

Capital1 failed to produce a double-digit scorer, with Shaya Adorador leading the way with six points. Trisha Genesis, Sydney Niegos, and Ysa Jimenez added five points each.

Nxled dominated statistically, finishing with advantages in attacks (45-34), blocks (10-3), and service aces (5-1). The Chameleons also scored 16 points off Capital1's errors.

Despite the loss, Capital1 drew encouraging performances from rookies Detdet Pepito and Khy Cepada in their professional debuts, with Pepito anchoring the floor defense and Cepada contributing four points.