Nxled debuts reloaded roster as PVL All-Filipino Conference tips off

Expectation is a heavy thing to carry—and no team enters the PVL All-Filipino Conference carrying more of it than Nxled.

After months of offseason buzz and a sweeping transformation that reshaped both identity and ambition, the Chameleons finally step into the spotlight Tuesday afternoon, facing Farm Fresh in a matchup that feels less like an opener and more like a referendum on whether hype can translate into results.

Nxled’s rebuild wasn’t subtle. It was a statement. A franchise once defined by potential now finds itself powered by the backbone of a four-time championship core, tasked with accelerating a timeline that had previously stalled since the team’s league entry in late 2023. This conference is no longer about waiting—it’s about delivering.

Farm Fresh draws first crack at that test at 4 p.m. at the FilOil Playtime Centre in San Juan, before ZUS Coffee and Capital1 take center stage in the nightcap at 6:30 p.m. All four teams are chasing early momentum and a chance to join opening-day winners Cignal and Choco Mucho atop the standings.

If chemistry decides games, Nxled may already be playing from ahead. Head coach Ettore Guidetti inherits a lineup rich in shared history, anchored by Brooke Van Sickle, Myla Pablo and MJ Phillips—veterans of championship wars during their Petro Gazz run. 

That familiarity stretches across the roster, reconnecting former teammates Djanel Cheng, Jonah Sabete, Bang Pineda, Jellie Tempiatuira, Nicole Tiamzon and Ranya Musa. 

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NEW LOOK CHAMELEONS, FOXIES CLASH! 🏐

⚔️ : FARM FRESH 🦊 vs. NXLED 🦎
🕓 : First serve is at 4:00 p.m.
🎟️ : https://t.co/W7AUSb7xoV

Watch the games on:
📺 : One Sports | One Sports+
📲 : Pilipinas Live
🖥️ : https://t.co/ihdl9Qn3VC#PVL2026 | #TheHeartOfVolleyball pic.twitter.com/UtWIwUYuCA

— Premier Volleyball League (@pvlph) February 2, 2026

The additions of Aby Maraño and Aduke Ogunsanya only deepen the wealth of experience, turning lineup selection into Guidetti’s biggest puzzle. For returning players Lyann de Guzman, Chiara Permentilla, Krich Macaslang, Mayang Nuique, Lucille Almonte, EJ Laure and Jovelyn Fernandez, opportunity now comes with competition unlike anything the franchise has seen.

With depth that borders on excess, Guidetti’s role shifts from builder to balancer.

“Well, it’s obviously a challenge and it’s something that I accept, embrace, and I am blessed to be the coach (of this team). So yes, it will be difficult. Yes, it will be hard. But honestly, I’m not scared. I’m excited,” said Guidetti.

Yet across the net stands a Farm Fresh squad eager to disrupt the narrative.

Under new head coach Koji Tsuzurabara, the Foxies bring more than fresh energy—they bring insight. Tsuzurabara previously coached several of Nxled’s newly acquired stars during her championship stint with the Angels, a familiarity that could blunt the Chameleons’ edge and turn preparation into a tactical equalizer.

Farm Fresh enters the conference determined to shed underdog status and carve its own path in what many expect to be one of the most balanced All-Filipino fields in recent years. The Foxies lean on a mix of continuity and reinforcements, led by Trisha Tubu, Alohi Robins-Hardy, Jolina dela Cruz, Ces Molina, Riri Meneses, Rizza Cruz, Alyssa Bertolano and Louie Romero, strengthened by the arrival of Ara Galang, Mylene Paat, Royse Tubino, Remy Palma, Bia General and Imee Hernandez.

The evening’s second act brings another clash shaped by ambition.

ZUS Coffee enters with confidence after a breakthrough finals appearance in the Reinforced Conference, and head coach Jerry Yee hopes the lessons from that run translate into staying power. In a league where parity is growing, he welcomes the challenge of facing teams stacked with talent.

“‘Yung mga loaded na teams, ‘yan ang masarap na makalaban. Nxled malakas, Choco Mucho malakas. Well, lahat naman ‘yan malakas eh. So bahala na,” said Yee.

The Thunderbelles are built around Riza Nogales, Thea Gagate, Chai Troncoso, Chinnie Arroyo, Kate Santiago, Fiola Ceballos and elite setter Cloanne Mondonedo, bolstered further by experienced additions Cess Robles, Rachel Anne Daquis, Chie Saet, Ren Peñafiel and Karen Verdeflor.

Capital1, however, arrives with its own quiet resolve. The Solar Spikers believe cohesion can close the gap against more decorated opponents, blending newcomers Pauline Gaston, Jasmine Nabor and Shaya Adorador with a steady core of Cherry Nunag, Ezra Madrigal, Ysa Jimenez, France Ronquillo, Rachel Jorvina, Bella Belen, Trisha Genesis, Leila Cruz, KC Galdones, Sydney Niegos, Jorelle Singh, Pia Abbu and Iris Tolenada.

As the All-Filipino Conference opens, one truth already feels clear: star power alone won’t dictate outcomes. With familiarity everywhere and coaching chess matches unfolding nightly, execution in tight moments may matter more than reputation.

In a season defined by depth and unpredictability, no debut comes without pressure—and no matchup arrives with guarantees.

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