Nxled finally snapped a four-game skid, halting a 20-25, 25-15, 25-23, 25-19 defeat over ZUS Coffee to revive its Qualifying Round campaign in the Premier Volleyball League All-Filipino Conference at the FilOil Playtime Centre late Thursday, March 12. The Chameleons weathered a strong opening surge from ZUS Coffee, which seized the first set, before regrouping and relying on experience and depth to regain control from the second frame onward.

The victory provided a much-needed boost for a team that had stormed into the conference with three straight wins behind a revamped lineup, only to see four consecutive losses expose cracks in their early promise. Despite signs of life in this match, Nxled still appeared far from the cohesive unit that had impressed at the start of the tournament.

Chiara Permentilla made the most of her limited playing time, delivering three of the Chameleons’ final five points on powerful hits in the fourth set. Her last strike defied two defenders and sealed the one-hour, 40-minute match, snapping their skid and lifting Nxled to a 4-4 record. The Chameleons remain in contention for a Top 4 finish with one prelims match left against league-leading PLDT on Tuesday.

Brooke Van Sickle delivered a triple-double performance with 20 points, 12 excellent receptions, and 10 digs. Jonah Sabete-Escamillan added 19 points, including three blocks, while MJ Phillips contributed 12 markers and three blocks from the middle. Myla Pablo chipped in eight points, helping Nxled capitalize on ZUS Coffee’s miscues, converting 24 points off errors while committing 17 themselves.

ZUS Coffee, now 1-7, saw Thea Gagate lead with 16 points, followed by Cess Robles with 13, Jovelyn Gonzaga with 11, and Riza Nogales with eight. Despite a balanced scoring effort, the Thunderbelles faltered in crucial moments, undone by Nxled’s late firepower and key errors at decisive points.

Nxled regroups after opening set loss

After dropping the opener, Nxled rebounded with a dominant second set but had to battle late in the third to secure a 25-23 win. The Chameleons took control early in the fourth set, gaining an 8-4 lead, and maintained momentum through key hits and blocks from Escamillan, de Guzman, and Phillips.

Van Sickle’s strong attacks stretched the lead further, ultimately closing out the set 25-19 and ending the alarming losing streak. Nxled’s balanced attack, combined with crucial defensive stops, kept ZUS Coffee from mounting a late comeback and secured the victory.

Key performances drive Nxled comeback

Escamillan and Lyann de Guzman provided steady firepower, while Phillips anchored the middle, shutting down consecutive ZUS Coffee attacks with emphatic blocks. Van Sickle continued to deliver key hits, maintaining Nxled’s momentum. The Chameleons also forced errors from the Thunderbelles, converting them into points and limiting ZUS Coffee’s opportunities to rally.

Nxled’s statistical edge in attacks (54-53) and blocks (11-10), coupled with six service aces compared to ZUS Coffee’s two, highlighted their overall control. ZUS Coffee’s miscues and inability to capitalize in the critical stages ultimately cost them the match, despite strong individual contributions from Gagate, Robles, Gonzaga, and Nogales.