Nxled stuns PLDT to break through in 2026 PVL Invitational

Nxled unleashed a wild closing run to complete a 25-19, 25-22, 25-20 stunner over defending champion PLDT and secure its maiden win in the 2026 PVL Invitational on Tuesday at the Smart Araneta Coliseum.

The Chameleons cruised to the sweep victory by ending the final frame with an 11-4 rampage led by MJ Phillips and Lyann de Guzman as they improved to 1-1 after a fout-set loss to Creamline on Monday.

Phillips led the way with 13 points built on eight attacks, four aces, and one block while Myla Pablo and de Guzman chipped in 12 and 10 markers to place Nxled in the win column despite a short turnaround.

Down by two in Set 3, Nxled flipped the switch as de Guzman drilled back-to-back hits from the left wing before Phillips torched PLDT with two straight aces, fueling an 8-0 Chameleons run that gave them a 22-16 lead.

PLDT, though, answered with three points, with Kath Arado converting on a lucky overpass after another tough serve from Phillips before Savi Davison knocked down an open kill.

But Nxled settled down with Jov Fernandez delivering the match point and an attack error from Leila Cruz sealing it for the Chameleons.

"I think those serves are lucky, but it's okay. We just really put a lot of focus on that today and I'm happy that we came out with a win," Phillips, who had three aces in that closing run, said in a mix of English and Filipino.

—JMB, GMA News