By ADRIAN STEWART CO

The Nxled Chameleons mounted a strong comeback to defeat the PLDT High Speed Hitters, 21-25, 25-23, 25-13, 25-15, in the 2026 PVL All-Filipino Conference preliminary round at the Playtime FilOil Centre in San Juan City on Thursday, March 19.

Negrense Jonah Sabete-Escamillan finished with a double-double of 15 points and 13 excellent digs for the Chameleons, which captured its fifth victory in nine games.

Brooke Van Sickle spearheaded the offense with 21 points, on 19 attacks and two blocks, while MarJana Phillips and Myla Pablo added 16 and 13, respectively, for Nxled.

The Chameleons recovered from a slow start after dropping the opening set, regrouping behind a dominant showing in the next three frames to secure the win and stay in contention for a qualifying round berth.

Despite the loss, PLDT, which had already secured a spot in the next phase, closed its preliminary campaign with a 7-2 slate.

Savannah Davison top-scored with 16 points, while Alleiah Malaluan added 13.

Meanwhile, the Choco Mucho Flying Titans ended their preliminary round campaign on a winning note after defeating the ZUS Coffee Thunderbelles, 27-25, 22-25, 25-16, 25-19.

The Flying Titans finished with a 4-5 record, settling in seventh place and gaining momentum heading into the play-in phase, where they are expected to be grouped with the sixth- and 10th-ranked teams.

Cherry Rondina led Choco Mucho with 18 points, while Kat Tolentino added 12.

Lorraine Pecaña chipped in 11, and Des Cheng and Maddie Madayag each scored 10 in a balanced offensive effort.

On the other side, ZUS Coffee concluded its campaign in 10th place with a 1-8 record.

Jovelyn Gonzaga paced the team with 13 points, followed by Thea Gagate with 12, while Riza Nogales and Chinnie Arroyo added nine and eight points, respectively./ASC, WDJ