EST Cola kept its momentum rolling in the 2026 PVL Invitationals after overcoming the Nxled Chameleons in a marathon five‑setter, 26‑24, 21‑25, 21‑25, 30‑28, 15‑12, on Thursday at the Smart Araneta Coliseum.
The Thai guest team looked headed for defeat in the fourth set after falling behind by eight points, 20‑12. Instead, EST Cola found another gear and turned the match around.
Nannapat Moonjakham and Papatchaya Phontham sparked an 11‑2 run that put the Thais ahead, 23‑22, before they eventually closed out the extended fourth set, 30‑28.
EST Cola Snatches Victory in Jaws of Defeat
EST Cola then carried that comeback energy into the decider, although Nxled stayed within striking distance late.
After Natnicha Saelao was called for a double contact to cut the lead to 13‑12, the Chameleons had a chance to level the match. Lyann De Guzman, however, was called for a net violation, bringing EST Cola to match point before Moonjakham finished the job with the winning attack.
“I’m so happy and excited after winning two games,” said Moonjakham, whose team improved to 2‑1 after the two‑hour, 38‑minute battle.
Phontham led the Thai attack with 26 points from 23 attacks, 2 blocks, and an ace, while Moonjakham delivered 22 points and 20 excellent digs.
Nirarach Srikuta added 21 points, 17 excellent receptions, and a pair each of blocks and aces, while Saelao orchestrated the offense with 27 excellent sets and 5 points.
What’s Next
EST Cola now faces its biggest test yet when it takes on the unbeaten Creamline Cool Smashers on Friday, September 4, at 6:30 p.m.
“Creamline is the number one team, so it’s not easy for us to play against them, especially because they have a strong key player (Jaja Santiago‑Minowa),” said Moonjakham.
The loss dropped the Chameleons to 1‑2 and into a four‑way tie with the Farm Fresh Foxies, PLDT High Speed Hitters, and Ho Chi Minh City.
Jonah Sabete‑Escamillan powered Nxled with 26 points, including 15 attacks, 6 blocks, and 5 aces, while also producing 21 excellent digs and 13 excellent receptions.
MJ Phillips chipped in 23 points, while Myla Pablo had 16 before sitting out the fifth set. Jackie Acuna added 11 points, and Gel Cayuna registered 23 excellent sets, 10 points, and 12 excellent digs.
Despite the loss, Nxled put together its best defensive performance at the net, finishing with a tournament‑high 24 kill blocks.
The Chameleons will have little time to dwell on the collapse as they face Ho Chi Minh City on Friday at 4:00 p.m. at the same venue.
