PLDT denies Creamline, sends Nxled to first-ever finals

PLDT’s Savi Davison during a game against Creamline in the PVL Invitational Conference.–MARLO CUETO/INQUIRER.net

MANILA, Philippines — Nxled made its first-ever PVL Finals appearance thanks to dethroned champion PLDT.

Already out of title contention, the High Speed Hitters played spoiler and denied the Creamline Cool Smashers’ bid to claim the last ticket to the title match with a 25-17, 23-25, 21-25, 25-23, 15-12 win on Sunday night at Smart Araneta Coliseum.

Nxled did its part in the first game by beating Farm Fresh before PLDT’s comeback victory sealed the Chameleons’ place in the final against Thai club EST Cola.

READ: PVL: Nxled beats Farm Fresh in must win, awaits fate

PLDT coach Rald Ricaftort and Savi Davison after stunning Creamline. #PVL2026 @inquirersports pic.twitter.com/aoznLaky9e

— Lance Agcaoili (@LanceAgcaoilINQ) September 6, 2026

Nxled, PLDT, and Creamline actually finished the elimination round with similar 3-2 records, but the Chameleons held the tie-break with 10 points.

Nxled takes on top seed EST Cola in the winner-take-all final on Tuesday at 6:30 p.m.

PLDT mounted a 13-9 lead in the fifth set after Kianna Dy’s clutch kill. With Jaja Santiago-Minowa entering the rotation, she made it a two-point game before Dy scored again off the block to reach match point, 14-11.

Minowa saved a point, but Savi Davison ended the match with a cross-court hit. Davison unleashed a new career-high 37 points on 35 attacks and two blocks. The reigning Invitational MVP also had stellar floor defense with 24 excellent receptions and 18 digs.

“Unfortunately, we weren’t able to get the result we wanted,” said PLDT coach Rald Ricafort in Filipino.

“But the mindset of the players and the team is that we’re not going to pick and choose which games to fight for. Especially against Creamline, they’re a very challenging team to play against. They really bring out the best in each of us. So we’re going to take this win, keep fighting, and prepare for them again on Tuesday.”

Kianna Dy and Jovy Prado had 14 points each. Mika Reyes had 11 points, highlighted by five blocks. 

Creamline missed the Invitational Finals for the second straight time despite adding Minowa, a former league MVP and resident Japan SV.League import.

Minowa tallied 25 points built on 15 kills, nine blocks, and an ace. Jema Galanza had 20 points, 16 digs, and 16 excellent receptions, while Michele Gumabao added 11.

PLDT and Creamline battle for bronze on Tuesday at 4 p.m.