NXLED Chameleons kept its bid for a place in the 2026 PVL Invitational championship match alive after defeating Farm Fresh Foxies, 25-20, 25-21, 18-25, 25-22, Sunday at the Smart Araneta Coliseum.
The Chameleons finished the elimination round with a 3-2 record, but their fate remained uncertain as they await the results of the final two matches involving EST Cola and Ho Chi Minh City, and Creamline Cool Smashers and defending champion PLDT High Speed Hitters.
MJ Phillips led the Chameleons with 25 points, including four service aces and two blocks, and was named Player of the Game.
“I’m just proud of everyone’s mentality. It’s a dogfight in this tournament. The immediate bounce back from each game, playing back-to-back, so I’m really proud of our team for having that mentality to keep going even though we’re exhausted,” Phillips said.
Phillips and Jackie Acuña gave Nxled a strong presence at the net, combining for 37 points as the Chameleons repeatedly attacked through the middle.
Acuña finished with 12 points, while Jonah Sabete-Escamillan and Myla Pablo added 11 and 10, respectively. EJ Cariño chipped in nine points.
Phillips was particularly effective in the fourth set, producing three consecutive attacks during a crucial stretch that helped Nxled withstand Farm Fresh’s attempt to force a deciding frame.
After losing the third set, Nxled regained control in the fourth and held off several rallies from the Foxies. Cariño eventually sealed the victory with a block touch off Mylene Rezanova.
Phillips said the team stayed composed despite the setback in the third set.
“We just had to stay patient. A lot of times we started to get a little uptight, so I kept reminding the girls to just stay patient and just keep going, ’cause trust our skills,” she said.
She also vowed that Nxled would remain ready regardless of the outcome of the remaining games.
“We’re just never gonna give up, and we’re gonna keep fighting until the end,” Phillips added.
Gel Cayuna provided steady playmaking for Nxled with 22 excellent sets and six points, while Farm Fresh setter Alohi Robins-Hardy finished with 19 excellent sets and three points.
Farm Fresh actually held a 61-58 advantage in attacks, but Nxled made the difference through its blocking and serving. The Chameleons won the blocking battle, 10-7, and produced five aces while limiting the Foxies to just one.
Trisha Tubu led Farm Fresh with 20 points, including three blocks. Rookie Jonna Perdido added 13 points, while Ces Molina finished with 12. They closed their campaign with a 1-4 mark. (Adrian Co)
