Nxled Chameleons extended their scorching run in the PVL On Tour, eking out a thrilling 26-24, 25-23, 25-23 victory over Galeries Tower on Tuesday at the Filoil EcoOil Centre. The win matched PLDT’s 3-0 slate and put Nxled on the brink of a quarterfinal berth.

The Chameleons battled back from an early 13-4 deficit in the first set, fueled by a surge in team play and a surprise courtside boost from actor Donny Pangilinan, who answered the team’s viral invite after their wins in Batangas. From there, Nxled leaned on its composure and clutch execution to take all three sets in a tightly contested one-hour and 40-minute showdown.

Coach Guidetti remains grounded despite 3-0 start

Despite the clean record, head coach Etorre Guidetti downplayed the streak, citing the narrow margins in each frame and the team’s slow start.

“First of all, it’s a false 3-0 because it was 26-24, 25-23, 25-23. It was a very tough battle,” Guidetti said. “We only started winning when we began playing as a team midway through the first set.”

He credited the turnaround to patience, improved passing, and the execution of the team’s spikers and opposite hitters.

Cariño and Permentilla power late-game stand

With Galeries threatening to extend the match in the third, EJ Cariño and Chiara Permentilla delivered key hits after the score was tied at 21-all. Cariño fired a shot through the block for match point, then Jov Fernandez sealed the deal with a crosscourt spike off the defense.

Cariño finished with 16 points and nine excellent receptions, while Fernandez added 14 points and earned Player of the Game honors. Permentilla chipped in an all-around outing with 13 points, six digs, and nine receptions. Setter Jaja Maraguinot orchestrated the attack with 15 excellent sets.

Nxled eyes a fourth straight win when it faces Farm Fresh in Cebu on July 27.

Meanwhile, Galeries Tower dropped to 0-3 despite a strong showing. Jewel Encarnacion led with 15 points, while Jean Asis, the No. 2 overall pick, added 11 points with two blocks and an ace. The Highrisers will try to break into the win column against the Foxies on July 26.