Van Sickle returns as Nxled sweeps PLDT to open PVL campaign
Nxled defeated PLDT in a dominant straight-set victory to open their 2026 Premier Volleyball League campaign. Team captain Brooke Van Sickle returned from a shoulder injury to lead the team, marking a successful start to the All-Filipino Conference.
Why it matters
The match demonstrates the competitive landscape of professional volleyball in the Philippines and the impact of key player returns on team performance.
Nxled welcomed team captain Brooke Van Sickle back with a bang, cruising to a dominant 25-16, 25-20, 25-18 victory over PLDT to kickstart its 2026 Premier Volleyball League All-Filipino Conference Siklab series on Tuesday at the SMART Araneta Coliseum.
Van Sickle missed the entirety of the PVL On Tour and Invitational after sustaining a minor tear in her right shoulder. During her absence, the Chameleons secured a silver-medal finish in the Invitational, falling to guest team Est Cola in the championship round.
The three-time league MVP spearheaded Nxled’s balanced offensive attack, finishing with 11 points on 10 attacks and one block, along with eight excellent digs, in her first game back after 199 days.
The Chameleons’ new combination also showed early promise, as Van Sickle teamed up with Gel Cayuna for the first time. The setter dished out 14 excellent sets while contributing seven points of her own.
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