NXLED made quick work of PLDT, 25-16, 25-19, 25-18, in its 2026 PVL All-Filipino Conference opener on Tuesday at the Smart Araneta Coliseum.
The Chameleons pulled away midway through the opening set, with Jackie Acuña capping off the frame with a running attack.
Meanwhile, the High Speed Hitters came out firing in the second frame, building an early 8-3 lead that prompted Nxled head coach Ettore Guidetti to call a timeout.
The Italian mentor’s wards responded with a 10-1 run to regain control and secure a two-set advantage.
Then the runners-up in this year’s Invitational Conference carried their momentum into the third canto and never looked back, keeping PLDT at bay to seal their first win of the conference.
After recovering from a shoulder injury, Brooke Van Sickle made a meaningful return for the Chameleons, leading the team with 11 points and eight excellent digs.
“It’s really good to be back. During the time, it was really tough at moments, but I had the support of my coaching staff, my teammates, and our management,” said Van Sickle.
“So, the process was bittersweet. They supported me in every stuff, so it’s easy that way,” she added.
NXLED’s depth proved to be an asset for Guidetti in this all-to-play conference, with Myla Pablo and Acuña also tallying nine points each, while EJ Cariño, Jonah Sabete-Escamillan, and Gel Cayuna chipped in seven markers apiece.
“As usual, I have to admit that it’s really giving me a great gift, and that great gift is to have an incredible amount of very good players,” Guidetti stressed.
“So, the rule of all-to-play, all-to-start can also be a very good weapon for us because the players that I’m putting on the court, all of them are great players,” the shot-caller added.
On the other side, Savi Davison led PLDT with 10 points on eight attacks and two blocks, while Dell Palomata added nine points on six attacks and three blocks.
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