Nxled beats Farm Fresh in must win, awaits fate

Nxled Chameleons huddle during a game against Farm Fresh Foxies in the PVL Invitational Conference.–MARLO CUETO/INQUIRER.net

MANILA, Philippines — Nxled took care of business on Sunday, but its hopes of a breakthrough finals appearance in the PVL Invitational Conference remain up in the air.

Nxled fended off Farm Fresh in a must-win game, 25-20, 25-21, 18-25, 25-22, to secure at least a berth in the bronze medal match on Sunday at Smart Araneta Coliseum.

The Chameleons, who finished with a 3-2 record and 10 points, can still make it to the winner-take-all final on Tuesday if either EST Cola or Creamline lose their matches later.

READ: PVL: Jonah Sabete keeping Nxled’s title bid afloat

Nxled coach Ettore Guidetti and MJ Phillips after winning their final preliminary round. #PVL2026 @inquirersports pic.twitter.com/BnIOtqvMnE

— Lance Agcaoili (@LanceAgcaoilINQ) September 6, 2026

EST Cola is taking on Vietnam’s Ho Chi Minh City as of posting time, while Creamline faces defending champion PLDT later tonight.

“I’m really proud of the way we played this mini tournament. Really intense, and I think that it’s clear for everyone that this is a fighting team. We fought against everyone. We didn’t lose a single set by a big score. We always try our best to bring the victory at home. Sometimes we succeed; sometimes we don’t. But it has always, always been a fearsome battle for us,” said Nxled coach Ettore Guidetti.

“Now we simply have to wait. What is going to happen doesn’t change anything for us. We’re going to fight anyway.  I don’t really care what we’re going to play, if it’s for the first or for the third place. I’m sure that the girls will try their best to bring the podium home in any way,” he added.

MJ Phillips continued her stellar play in the conference with 25 points on a 19-of-30 spiking clip to go with four aces and two blocks.

READ: PVL: Nxled fends off Ho Chi Minh City to stay in race to final

“Honestly, I give it to my teammates. Honestly, I wouldn’t be here without them. I’m so proud of their mentality to be able to bounce back, especially after all these tiring games. So I’m just really proud of the girls we’ve come along with,” said Phillips.

Gel Cayuna dished out 22 excellent sets and scored six. Jackie Acuña chipped in 12 points, hitting 10 of her 17 attack attempts. Jonah Sabete-Escamillan had 11 points and 21 excellent receptions, while Myla Pablo and EJ Laure-Cariño added 10 and nine points, respectively.

Farm Fresh lost four straight games to end the preliminary round, facing Ho Chi Minh City in the battle for fifth on Tuesday at 1:30 p.m.

Season MVP Trisha Tubu led the Foxies with 20 points and 10 digs. Rookie Jonna Perdido had 13 points and 11 receptions, while Ces Molina added 12.