EST Cola rallies past Nxled in 5 sets, rises to solo second

EST Cola of Thailand during a game vs Nxled Chameleons in the 2026 PVL Invitational Conference. –PVL PHOTO

MANILA, Philippines — EST Cola of Thailand pulled the rug out from under Nxled in five sets, scoring a 26-24, 21-25, 21-25, 30-28, 15-12 win and taking the solo second place in the PVL Invitational Conference on Thursday night at Smart Araneta Coliseum.

The Thais fought their way back from a 12-20 deficit in the fourth set, with Papatchaya Phontham nailing the big blows to ignite a 12-3 run and take set point, 24-23.

READ: PVL: EST Cola stops Farm Fresh for first Invitational win

The Chameleons took the match point thrice — the last at 28-27 after Gel Cayuna’s 1-2 play, but Nannaphat Moonjakham scored back-to-back kills before Jackie Acuña’s attack error to force a decider.

Nxled kept EST Cola within striking distance in the fifth set, 13-12, after Acuña’s block. But a costly net fault by Lyann De Guzman sent the Thais to match point, followed by  Moonjakham’s game-winning attack that wrapped up the match in two hours and 52 minutes.

Phontham led the Thais with 26 points off 23 kills, two blocks, and an ace. Moonjakham delivered 22 points and 20 digs, while Nirarach Srikuta added 21 points and 17 excellent receptions.

“I’m so happy and excited after winning two games,” said Moonjakham.

EST Cola of Thailand’s Papatchaya Phontham during a game vs Nxled Chameleons in the 2026 PVL Invitational Conference. –PVL PHOTO

EST Cola booked its second straight win for the solo second place with a 2-1 record before it faces unbeaten Creamline (3-0) on Friday at 6:30 p.m.

“Team Creamline is number one and not easy for Team Thailand because they have [a strong] key player,” said Moonjakham, referring to Jaja Santiago-Minowa. “Fighting! Fighting! Fighting!”

Nattharika Wasan added 10 points for the Thais, while setter Natnicha Saelao had 27 excellent sets on top of five points.

Nxled had 24 blocks in the match but still couldn’t capitalize on its block party.

Jonah Sabete-Escamillan led the Chameleons with 26 points off 15 kills, six blocks, and five aces on top of 21 digs and 13 receptions.

Myla Pablo had 16 points, while MJ Phillips and Acuña tallied 13 and 11 points, respectively. Cayuna had 23 excellent sets, 12 digs, and 10 points.

Nxled dropped to a 1-2 record, tied with Farm Fresh, PLDT, and Ho Chi Minh City, which will be the Chameleons’ next opponent on Friday at 4 p.m.