Nxled hopes to keep its momentum at the PVL On Tour. The Chameleons battle the Galeries Tower Highrisers in South Cotabato on Saturday (July 31, 2026).
Nxled looks to keep its momentum rolling, but the Chameleons could be walking into a trap when they face giant-slaying Galeries Tower in the PVL On Tour on Saturday at 4 p.m. in Polomolok, South Cotabato.
After thrilling volleyball fans in Isabela, Batangas and Ilocos Sur, the league’s preseason roadshow now heads to one of Mindanao’s biggest volleyball hotbeds, where an electric crowd is expected to welcome two teams eager to prove that their early success is no fluke.
The Chameleons enter the showdown riding high after sweeping the undermanned Capital1 Solar Spikers, 25-17, 25-23, 25-18, in Vigan.
But for Nxled head coach Ettore Guidetti, the most impressive part of the victory was not simply the straight-set result—it was the relentless effort his players showed on defense.
“I honestly think we really enjoyed playing. Despite a few interruptions because of the format, we reacted very well every time,” Guidetti said in a news release Friday.
“I was happy that everybody got the chance to play because all of my players are capable. What pleased me the most was our defense. It was outstanding, and I think the crowd also appreciated how hard we fought for every ball.”
Although the PVL On Tour serves as a preseason buildup organized by Sports Vision, Guidetti made it clear that Nxled is not treating the tournament like a collection of meaningless exhibition games.
The Chameleons are here to win.
“We don’t feel it’s an exhibition. The players put pressure on themselves, and we’re trying to win every single game. That’s the truth,” the Italian mentor said.
“For us, the exhibition is about playing at our highest level.”
Nxled’s biggest weapon could be its depth, with Guidetti having several players capable of stepping into the starting lineup at any moment.
The coach said he deliberately rotates his combinations during training to build chemistry across the roster and prepare the team for the unpredictable demands of a long conference.
“We never have the same starting six twice in a week. It helps us create quality scrimmages and develop chemistry among everyone,” Guidetti said.
“During a long conference, anything can happen. You don’t want to be in a situation where a middle blocker suddenly has to play with the starters without ever having built that connection. That’s how I coach this team.”
But Galeries Tower is no ordinary opponent.
The Highrisers already sent a warning to the rest of the league after stunning preseason favorite Farm Fresh in four sets in Batangas.
Veteran setter Jules Coronel remains the team’s steadying force, while top rookie pick Lams Lamina immediately made her presence felt in her professional debut, coming off the bench and delivering seven excellent sets.
Galeries Tower also boasts a dangerous supporting cast led by Erika Deloria, Jean Asis, Aiza Pontillas, Erika Raagas, Roselle Baliton, Lycha Ebon and Jade Gentapa.
That makes Saturday’s duel more than just another preseason match.
It is a battle between a deep and confident Nxled squad determined to extend its winning run and a fearless Galeries Tower side looking to pull off another major upset.
In the second match, Akari and crowd favorite Choco Mucho collide in a highly anticipated showdown at 6:30 p.m.
