Ettore Guidetti confident Nxled has found its identity in 2026 PVL season despite past struggles

The Nxled Chameleons opened their 2026 Premier Volleyball League (PVL) All-Filipino Conference campaign with a statement of resilience and maturity, grinding out a dramatic five-set victory over the Farm Fresh Foxies, 25-23, 13-25, 21-25, 25-15, 15-12, on Tuesday, February 3, at the FilOil Playtime Centre in San Juan.

In a match defined by long rallies, sharp momentum swings, and late-game tension, Nxled leaned heavily on poise, experience, and timely execution from its veteran core to survive a stern opening-day test. After surrendering control in the middle sets, the Chameleons steadied themselves when it mattered most—particularly in the deciding fifth set—where their composure under pressure ultimately broke Farm Fresh’s resistance and sealed a confidence-boosting win.

Reigning PVL Most Valuable Player Brooke Van Sickle spearheaded the Chameleons’ charge in her much-anticipated debut for the franchise, delivering an all-around effort and finishing with 20 points. Fellow newcomer Myla Pablo proved equally vital, providing clutch scoring and defensive stability throughout the match. Pablo tallied 19 points and six digs, earning Player of the Game honors, while middle blocker MJ Phillips added 13 points and a strong presence at the net.

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Despite flashes of brilliance early, Nxled found itself on the back foot after dropping the second and third sets, as Farm Fresh capitalized on defensive adjustments and controlled the tempo with disciplined floor coverage. The Foxies threatened to pull off an opening-day upset, but Nxled’s veteran trio responded with urgency, asserting themselves in the fourth set to force a decider before closing the door in the fifth.

While the Chameleons have started the All-Filipino Conference on a high note, recent history paints a more sobering picture for the franchise. Nxled finished at the bottom of the standings in its first three PVL seasons, with the lone bright spot coming in a fifth-place finish at the 2025 PVL On Tour preseason tournament. Tuesday’s victory, therefore, carried significance beyond the win-loss column, serving as an early indicator of a team seeking to redefine itself.

WATCH: Nxled coach Ettore Guidetti and Lyann De Guzman relish teaming up with the core of defending champion. #PVL2026 | @LanceAgcaoilINQ pic.twitter.com/j1jJbM28bf

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Nxled head coach Ettore Guidetti believes that shift is already underway, pointing to a clearer sense of purpose and ambition within the squad.

“The difference about Nxled in this conference is simple to define. This is a team that wants to arrive, to play at the top of the whole conference. Before, Nxled was trying to find its own identity, to understand if it was a team to stay on the bottom, or like in the PVL on Tour in the first six,” Guidetti said in a media interaction.

Although Nxled remains a relatively young team, the offseason acquisitions of Van Sickle, Pablo, and Phillips—former standouts of the Petro Gazz Angels—have dramatically reshaped the roster. The trio’s immediate chemistry and collective experience were evident, particularly during high-pressure stretches when the Chameleons needed steady leadership. Despite limited time together, their ability to make crucial plays helped stabilize the team after it teetered on the brink of an opening-day defeat.

Guidetti emphasized that experience does not change his approach on the sidelines, maintaining that his coaching philosophy remains consistent regardless of a player’s background.

“Honestly, I don’t switch a single part of my style of coaching. I usually coach the young and the experienced ones in the same way. I’m always trying to give them everything that I got, even if it’s not enough,” he added.

The win provides Nxled with an early boost as it continues to integrate new pieces and solidify its identity over the course of the long conference. For Farm Fresh, the narrow loss offered encouraging signs under head coach Tsuzurabara’s system, particularly on the defensive end, where the Foxies showcased grit and structure that could bode well for future outings.

With the Chameleons off to a winning start, Guidetti and his squad will look to carry that momentum into their next match against the Capital1 Solar Spikers on Saturday, February 7, at the Ynares Center in Montalban, as Nxled continues its push to establish itself as an early contender in the 2026 PVL All-Filipino Conference.

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