Games today:

(Capital Arena)

4 p.m. — ZUS Coffee vs Akari

6:30 p.m. — Creamline vs Nxled

Talent-laden Nxled tests its mettle against powerhouse Creamline in an explosive opening salvo of the 2026 Premier Volleyball League (PVL) On Tour Showdown Wednesday at the Capital Arena in Ilagan, Isabela.

Seeking redemption from a disappointing fifth-place finish in the All-Filipino Conference despite their recruitment coup, the Chameleons are eager to show that they have already worked on their chemistry to become serious title contenders.

Italian head coach Ettore Guidetti wants to see the product of Nxled’s training inside the court in the main game at 6:30 p.m.

“As usual it’s difficult because Creamline has a bunch of combinations, a bunch of possibilities to play, so we will try to summarize as much as we can,” he said.

“We are in a good moment. The team is playing good, day after day after day. We are trying to integrate the new players. So, let’s see if we can give a good performance against the champions,” Guidetti said.

Back with a vengeance for the Chameleons are former Most Valuable Players Brooke Van Sickle, Myla Pablo and MJ Phillips, with key additions from disbanded Cignal squad Jackie Acuna and two-time Season Best Setter Gel Cayuna and fifth overall pick in the last Rookie Draft Irah Jaboneta.

But all eyes will be on traditional favorite Creamline.

The Cool Smashers are fresh from winning their 11th overall title in the season-ending AFC.

Although playing sans Alas Pilipinas standouts Jia de Guzman and Jen Nierva and national beach volleyball team star Bernadeth Pons, Creamline remains the team to beat with a star-studded lineup led by Alyssa Valdez, Tots Carlos, Jema Galanza, Pangs Panaga, Bea de Leon and Michelle Gumabao. Boosting the Sherwin Meneses-mentored squad are young bloods Dona Paralejas, Erin Pangilinan, Ishie Lalongisip and rookie standout Barbie Jamili.

“We had a longer preparation this time. We didn’t have a camp or anything but we had a couple of months training as aa whole team for the PVL On Tour Showdown. We’re also very excited because we have new players coming in for this conference,” said three-time MVP Valdez.

Meanwhile, ZUS Coffee and Akari battle in the curtain-raiser at 4 p.m.

The Thunderbelles welcome back ace middle blocker AC Miner from injury to reinforce a squad led by Thea Gagate, Jovelyn Gonzaga, Chinnie Arroyo, Fiola Ceballos, Jolina dela Cruz, Riza Nogales, Cess Robles, Chai Troncoso, Kate Santiago and ace setter Cloanne Mondonedo.

Despite skipping the Draft, the Chargers landed veteran Risa Sato and added newcomers Ann Monares and Sharya Ancheta.

Akari will also lean on Ivy Lacsina, Fifi Sharma, Grethcel Soltones, Ced Domingo, Eli Soyud and a healthier Faith Nisperos.

The PVL On Tour Showdown will feature innovations and added incentives.

Winning team will receive P100,000, while the losing side will still take home P50,000, ensuring that every preseason match will still be competitive.

A mandatory all-to-play rule is in effect, in which all 14 players on each team’s roster must see action by the end of the second set. Every player is required to participate in at least three rallies before the conclusion of the frame.

After the second set, coaches will have full discretion over their lineups, with modified substitution rules remaining in effect.

Adding excitement to the game is the use of the Premier Ball.

The serving team’s game captain may request the activation of the Premier Ball, prompting the regular volleyball to be replaced by a designated special-colored ball. The team that wins the ensuing rally earns two points instead of the usual one. Each team is allowed to activate the Premier Ball only once per set.