The NXLED Chameleons continued their impressive campaign in the 2026 PVL On Tour, securing a convincing straight-set victory over the Galeries Tower Highrisers, 25-23, 25-23, 25-20, on Saturday, August 1, at the Polomolok Gymnasium in Polomolok, South Cotabato.
While the final result showed a 3-0 sweep, the match itself was far from one-sided. Galeries Tower battled hard throughout the opening two sets, forcing NXLED to stay composed under pressure. However, whenever the Highrisers threatened to seize momentum, the Chameleons answered with disciplined execution, timely scoring, and outstanding floor leadership from Player of the Game Gel Cayuna.
The veteran setter once again proved why she remains one of the Premier Volleyball League’s premier playmakers. Rather than dominating the scoring column, Cayuna dictated the tempo of the match through intelligent decision-making, exceptional ball distribution, and calm leadership. Her ability to involve multiple attackers made NXLED’s offense difficult to read, allowing the Chameleons to maintain control during the most crucial moments of the contest.
Match Summary
Final Score:
NXLED Chameleons def. Galeries Tower Highrisers, 3-0
Set Scores:
- Set 1: NXLED 25-23 Galeries Tower
- Set 2: NXLED 25-23 Galeries Tower
- Set 3: NXLED 25-20 Galeries Tower
Cayuna Conducts Another Brilliant Offensive Performance
Setters rarely receive the same attention as high-scoring hitters, but Gel Cayuna reminded everyone that a great offense begins with excellent playmaking.
Throughout the afternoon, Cayuna expertly managed NXLED’s attack by consistently delivering accurate sets to every area of the court. Whether running quick plays through the middle or setting up the outside hitters for clean attacks, she made smart choices that prevented Galeries Tower’s blockers from settling into any rhythm.
Her court awareness stood out in every rotation. Instead of repeatedly relying on one scorer, Cayuna spread the ball across several teammates, keeping the Highrisers guessing and allowing the Chameleons to attack from multiple angles.
Just as important was her composure. Even when rallies became longer and the score tightened, Cayuna never appeared rushed. Her calm presence helped steady the entire team and ensured NXLED remained organized during pressure-filled situations.
It was a complete floor general’s performance and one that deservedly earned her Player of the Game recognition.
COURTESY: PVL
Opening Set Goes the Chameleons’ Way
The match immediately developed into an entertaining contest.
Galeries Tower entered the game determined to challenge NXLED, matching the Chameleons point for point through much of the opening frame. Both teams displayed excellent defensive effort, extending several rallies with impressive digs and hustle plays.
NXLED eventually gained a slight edge through its efficient offense and disciplined blocking. Cayuna continued finding favorable matchups for her hitters, allowing the Chameleons to create just enough separation entering the closing stages.
The Highrisers refused to back down and narrowed the gap late in the set, but NXLED remained composed. Strong execution during the final rallies helped the Chameleons secure a narrow 25-23 victory and take the early advantage.
Highrisers Push Back in the Second
The second set followed a nearly identical script.
Galeries Tower adjusted well after the opening frame, improving its passing and becoming more aggressive offensively. Every time NXLED threatened to pull away, the Highrisers answered with timely attacks and solid defensive plays.
The set quickly evolved into another tightly contested battle filled with momentum swings.
Once again, Cayuna’s leadership became one of the deciding factors. She patiently directed the offense, avoided forcing difficult plays, and consistently placed her teammates in positions to succeed.
NXLED also benefited from strong communication on defense, with the back-row players keeping numerous balls alive before transitioning into effective counterattacks.
When the pressure reached its highest point late in the set, the Chameleons once again executed better than their opponents. Several well-timed attacks and disciplined defensive stops allowed NXLED to escape with another 25-23 win, placing the team just one set away from victory.
Closing Out the Match
Knowing Galeries Tower would come out fighting in the third set, NXLED wasted little time asserting control.
The Chameleons continued serving aggressively while maintaining excellent floor coverage on defense. Their balanced offensive system prevented the Highrisers from focusing on a single attacker, creating scoring opportunities from nearly every rotation.
Cayuna remained in complete command, making quick decisions and adjusting her distribution based on Galeries Tower’s defensive positioning.
Although the Highrisers continued to compete, NXLED gradually widened the gap through consistent execution and minimized mistakes.
The Chameleons eventually completed the sweep with a 25-20 victory, capping another strong team performance and extending their positive momentum in the tournament.
Complete Team Effort Makes the Difference
While Gel Cayuna earned the spotlight as Player of the Game, the victory reflected the Chameleons’ growing chemistry as a complete unit.
NXLED received contributions from every position on the floor. The hitters consistently converted scoring opportunities, the middle blockers protected the net effectively, and the back-row defenders repeatedly extended rallies with timely digs.
Communication remained one of the team’s biggest strengths throughout the match. Players constantly encouraged one another between points, while Coach Ettore Guidetti continued to emphasize disciplined execution and patience during crucial stretches.
Rather than relying solely on individual brilliance, the Chameleons trusted their system and executed it efficiently from the opening serve until match point.
Confidence Continues to Grow
The straight-set victory is another encouraging sign for a team that continues to improve with each outing.
Earlier in the season, NXLED often struggled to close out competitive sets. Against Galeries Tower, however, the Chameleons displayed greater maturity, winning both opening sets despite facing constant pressure before confidently finishing the match in the third.
That ability to remain composed during close situations reflects the leadership of experienced players like Gel Cayuna and the steady development of the roster under Coach Guidetti.
The Chameleons also continue to show remarkable balance. Instead of depending on one offensive weapon, they have developed a system in which multiple players can step up whenever needed—a formula that could serve them well as the competition intensifies.
Looking Ahead
As the 2026 PVL On Tour continues, NXLED appears to be finding its rhythm at the perfect time. The team’s improved chemistry, disciplined defense, and efficient offensive execution make the Chameleons an increasingly difficult opponent for anyone in the field.
For Galeries Tower, the loss serves as another learning experience after pushing NXLED in two highly competitive sets. Despite falling in straight sets, the Highrisers demonstrated resilience and determination that they will look to build upon in their upcoming matches.
For NXLED, however, the spotlight belonged to Gel Cayuna.
Her exceptional court vision, unselfish playmaking, and steady leadership once again highlighted the importance of an elite setter in modern volleyball. By directing one of the tournament’s most balanced offenses and keeping her teammates composed throughout the match, Cayuna played a pivotal role in guiding the Chameleons to a 25-23, 25-23, 25-20 sweep of the Galeries Tower Highrisers at the Polomolok Gymnasium.
If NXLED continues to receive this level of leadership from its veteran setter while maintaining its balanced approach on both ends of the floor, the Chameleons will undoubtedly remain one of the teams to watch as the PVL On Tour progresses.
