Nxled, PLDT aim to stay perfect in Thursday PVL AFC double-header 

The early stretch of the Premier Volleyball League All-Filipino Conference is quickly turning into a race not just for wins, but for positioning—and more importantly, for the shortest route to the semifinals.

Two teams currently dictating that pace, Nxled Chameleons and PLDT High Speed Hitters, look to tighten their grip on momentum when they take on separate opponents Thursday at the FilOil Playtime Centre.

With the tournament using a single-round preliminary format, every victory carries amplified value—particularly for teams eyeing the coveted outright semifinal berth that eliminates the risk of crossover matchups.

Nxled steps into the spotlight in the 6:30 p.m. clash against the Galeries Tower Highrisers, carrying a three-match winning streak built on balance, depth, and system discipline.

Rather than relying on a single dominant scorer, the Chameleons have evolved into a multi-threat unit. The championship-tested trio of Brooke Van Sickle, Myla Pablo, and MJ Phillips continues to provide stability, while Nxled’s supporting cast has transformed the squad into one of the most structurally sound teams in the field.

Their straight-sets takedown of the Cignal HD Spikers served as proof that the Chameleons’ rise is no longer a projection—it’s already happening.

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HIGH SPEED HITTERS STAKE PERFECT RECORD VS CHARGERS!

: AKARI vs. PLDT HOME FIBER
: First serve is at 4:00 p.m.
: https://t.co/sPBHxTd2de

Watch the games on:
: One Sports | One Sports+
: Pilipinas Live
: https://t.co/ihdl9Qmw64#PVL2026 pic.twitter.com/N9QBNtDu1a

— Premier Volleyball League (@pvlph) February 18, 2026

CHAMELEONS PUT TOP SPOT ON THE LINE VS HIGHRISERS!

: NXLED vs. GALERIES TOWER
: First serve is at 6:30 p.m.
: https://t.co/sPBHxTdA2M

Watch the games on:
: One Sports | One Sports+
: Pilipinas Live
: https://t.co/ihdl9Qn3VC#PVL2026 pic.twitter.com/WXm2KAZ1g5

— Premier Volleyball League (@pvlph) February 18, 2026

Coach Ettore Guidetti understands that consistency, not highlight wins, will ultimately determine their ceiling.

“We just know every single game, we have a big target on our back,” said Guidetti.

Nxled’s deep rotation has allowed them to maintain intensity across sets—an advantage that could prove decisive against a Galeries Tower side still searching for rhythm. Despite a slow start, the Highrisers remain capable of pushing matches into uncomfortable territory if veterans like Aiza Pontillas rediscover their scoring form.

Earlier in the day, PLDT faces the Akari Chargers in a 4 p.m. duel that carries similar implications.

The High Speed Hitters are coming off statement victories over the Creamline Cool Smashers and Capital1 Solar Spikers—wins that reinforced their identity as one of the league’s most physically imposing squads.

Powered by the scoring punch of Savi Davison and Kim Dy, along with a towering middle rotation anchored by Majoy Baron and Mika Reyes, PLDT has leaned heavily on its net dominance to control matches.

Still, head coach Rald Ricafort emphasized the importance of sustaining the mindset that fueled their recent surge.

“Kailangan naming mag-regroup agad. Galing kami sa panalo, pero dapat maayos ang mindset namin at maintindihan na kailangan pa ring paghirapan ang susunod na laban,” said Ricafort.

Akari, despite its winless start, enters with renewed optimism after Ivy Lacsina erupted for 24 points in their most recent outing. With additional support from Grethcel Soltones and Eli Soyud, the Chargers remain a dangerous spoiler if they can sustain their offensive rhythm.

As the preliminaries begin to separate contenders from the chasing pack, Nxled and PLDT aren’t just trying to win—they’re trying to avoid the long road.

And in a conference where momentum can flip quickly, the shortest path may prove to be the most valuable prize of all.

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