Nxled kept its semifinal hopes alive with a commanding straight-sets win over Galeries Tower, 25-23, 25-18, 25-23, in the Premier Volleyball League All-Filipino Conference at Ninoy Aquino Stadium on Saturday, March 28.

The Chameleons leaned on their depth and composure, surviving a tight opening set before taking control in the second and delivering a clutch comeback in the third to close out the match.

After an error-filled and cautious start from both sides, Nxled found its rhythm behind a deeper rotation and sharper execution, proving steady in key moments where Galeries Tower faltered.

Nxled rallies late to seal sweep

The third set showcased Nxled’s resilience, overturning an 18-21 deficit with a decisive 7-2 run to complete the sweep. MJ Phillips sparked the turnaround with a quick attack, while Brooke Van Sickle delivered crucial plays on both ends.

Van Sickle first scored off the bench, then came up with a huge block on Aiza Pontillas to tie the set at 23-all. From there, Phillips fired an ace between two defenders before Van Sickle sealed the victory with another block on Pontillas.

Phillips led Nxled with 17 points, including three blocks, earning Best Player of the Game honors. She emphasized the team’s improved focus after reviewing past mistakes, particularly their earlier loss to the Highrisers.

Van Sickle added 14 points and nine excellent digs, while Myla Pablo chipped in 10 markers. Ranya Musa and Jonah Escamillan contributed five points each, highlighting Nxled’s balanced attack.

Depth and discipline spell difference

Nxled’s advantage showed across all departments, holding slim leads in attacks (42-40), blocks (8-7), and aces (4-2). More importantly, the Chameleons capitalized on Galeries Tower’s errors, scoring 21 points off miscues while conceding 15.

The opening set set the tone for a tightly contested match, featuring 15 deadlocks and no lead bigger than three points. Nxled eventually broke through behind Pablo’s clutch finishing, converting a go-ahead hit and a smart push to close the frame.

In the second set, Nxled unleashed its depth, racing to a 14-5 lead behind Musa’s quick hits and the combined efforts of Pablo and Van Sickle. Although Galeries Tower briefly rallied, the Chameleons’ steady rotation restored order and secured a comfortable set win.

Erika Deloria paced Galeries Tower with 13 points, while Jean Asis added 11 and Roselle Baliton had nine. Pontillas finished with eight but struggled late against Nxled’s disciplined blocking.

With the win, Nxled advances to face the Farm Fresh Foxies for one of the last two Final Four spots following the Holy Week break, keeping its title hopes very much alive.