Thailand’s EST Cola rules PVL Invitational, Nxled settles for silver

Thailand’s EST Cola during the final vs Nlxed Chameleons in the PVL Invitational Conference. –MARLO CUETO/INQUIRER.net

MANILA, Philippines — EST Cola of Thailand stamped its class to rule the Premier Volleyball League Invitational Conference.

EST Cola asserted its mastery over Nxled, 25-22, 25-21, 25-19, in the winner-take-all final on Tuesday evening at Smart Araneta Coliseum.

The Thais became the second overseas team to rule the PVL after Japan’s Kurashiki Ablaze in 2023.

EST Cola won five straight games to end its PVL stint after dropping its opener to defending champion PLDT.

The Thai club joined the PVL in the 2024 Invitational but settled for fourth place. This time, EST Cola brought a young group of national team players with Volleyball Nations League experience and conquered the Philippine professional league.

Nxled Chameleons during a game vs EST Cola of Thailand in the 2026 PVL Invitational Conference. –MARLO CUETO/INQUIRER.net

Nxled pushed EST Cola to five sets in the preliminary round, but the Thais saved their best for the championship.

Nxled settled for silver, its first-ever PVL podium finish, in its maiden championship appearance.

Built around the core of the defunct Petro Gazz franchise, the Chameleons reached the final despite missing three-time MVP Brooke Van Sickle due to injury. They entered the title match after finishing the preliminary round with a 3-2 record.

Papatchaya Phontham capped her PVL campaign with 15 points, including the championship-clinching kill. Nanaphat Moonjakham chipped in 11 points, while Nattharika Wasan added nine.

Setter Natnicha Saelao dished out 19 excellent sets.

Jonah Sabete-Escamillan led Nxled with 11 points, 21 excellent receptions, and eight digs. Myla Pablo added 10.