Nxled fills Van Sickle void, stuns PLDT

MANILA, Philippines — Nxled proved it is more than just a Brooke Van Sickle team, stunning defending champion PLDT, 25-19, 25-22, 25-20, to jump back into PVL Invitational contention at the Smart Araneta Coliseum yesterday.

Minus its top gun, the Chameleons plugged the hole by committee.

MJ Phillips led the way with 13 points, including four service aces in the critical stretch of the third set that foiled the High Speed Hitters’ bid to extend the match.

Phillips stepped up as the young franchise searched for answers with Van Sickle listed for the conference but sidelined with nagging shoulder issues.

Backing her up were captain Myla Pablo with 12 points, Lyann de Guzman with 10, and Jonah Sabete-Escamillan with nine.

“We just want to showcase to everyone how much work we have put in the last couple of weeks and thankfully, it showed in our game,” said Phillips.

It was a bounce-back for Nxled, which fell to Creamline in four sets the day before.

“We played pretty good volleyball,” said coach Ettore Guidetti.

Later in the day, EST Cola of Thailand also rebounded from a loss, ripping Farm Fresh, 25-21, 25-16, 25-22.