Nxled’s superior depth and firepower ultimately proved too much for a severely depleted Capital1 side. The Chameleons overcame a spirited challenge from the Solar Spikers to carve out a 25-17, 25-23, 25-18 victory in the PVL On Tour Showdown at the Chavit Coliseum in Vigan, Ilocos Sur, on Saturday, July 25.

Even without Brooke Van Sickle in its rotation, Nxled still fielded enough offensive weapons to capitalize on Capital1’s lack of manpower, with the Solar Spikers missing national team standouts Bella Belen, Erika Santos and Vanie Gandler.

Solar Spikers Push Chameleons to the Brink

The Chameleons appeared headed for a routine victory after dominating the opening set, but the gritty Solar Spikers refused to fold, pushing Nxled to the limit in the next two frames before eventually running out of answers in the closing stretch.

Capital1 repeatedly threatened to extend the match, but its thin rotation finally caught up with it as Nxled leaned on its deeper bench and steadier execution in the pressure-packed moments to complete the straight-set win in one hour and 58 minutes. The victory evened the Chameleons’ record at 1-1 after dropping a four-set decision to Creamline in the preseason opener in Ilagan City, Isabela, last July 8.

Capital1, meanwhile, absorbed its first defeat — an uphill battle from the outset with three of its premier scorers unavailable due to national team duties.

Jonah Escamillan took charge in the third set, unleashing three straight power hits to halt the Solar Spikers’ determined fightback. The last gave the Chameleons a 21-18 cushion and shifted the momentum firmly in Nxled’s favor.

The Chameleons then moved closer to victory as Myla Pablo and MJ Phillips delivered back-to-back points in a pair of extended rallies that brought the crowd to its feet, highlighting both teams’ relentless defense and exceptional floor coverage. Nxled also frustrated Capital1 with a series of timely blocks before Pablo denied Ysa Jimenez to push the Chameleons to match point. EJ Laure then sealed the victory in emphatic fashion, firing an ace that gave the Solar Spikers no opportunity to mount one last comeback.

Pablo Leads Balanced Nxled Attack

Pablo finished with 17 points, highlighted by four blocks, to earn Player of the Game honors. She credited the team’s relaxed approach, discipline and communication for its big bounce-back victory.

“We simply enjoyed the game and followed our coaches’ instructions on what we needed to do on the court. We were also happy that we were able to execute everything we had been working on in training over the past few days,” Pablo said in Filipino.

“We played without putting pressure on ourselves, and our communication was a big factor. Everyone stayed connected and trusted each other instead of trying to do everything individually,” added the multi-titled hitter.

Escamillan provided solid support for Pablo with 13 points, including two blocks, while Phillips chipped in seven markers. Jovelyn Fernandez, Lyann De Guzman and Chiara Permentilla added six, five and four points, respectively.

Capital1, meanwhile, lacked a go-to scorer as none of the Solar Spikers reached double figures. Shaya Adorador led the team with six points, while Trisha Genesis, Sydney Niegos and Ysa Jimenez finished with five markers apiece.

The Chameleons imposed their will on both ends of the court, outscoring the Solar Spikers in attacks, 45-34, and dominating the net with a 10-3 advantage in blocks. They also held the edge in service aces, 5-1. Nxled’s offensive firepower more than made up for its 20 unforced errors, as the Chameleons capitalized on Capital1’s miscues to collect 16 free points.

Rookies Detdet Pepito and Khy Cepada also impressed in their professional debuts. Pepito anchored Capital1’s floor defense with her steady backcourt presence, while Cepada contributed four points in a promising first outing.