Capital1’s draft picks take center stage
NXLED will lean on veteran Myla Pablo as the Chameleons shoot for a bounce back win against debuting Capital1 in the 2026 PVL On Tour on Saturday in Vigan, Ilocos Sur.
PHOTOGRAPH COURTESY OF PVL
Games today:
(Chavit Coliseum)
4 p.m. — Nxled vs Capital1
6:30 p.m. — PLDT vs Choco Mucho
Capital1’s Draft acquisitions will take the spotlight sans key players against veteran-laden Nxled to open its campaign in the 2026 Premier Volleyball League (PVL) On Tour Showdown on Saturday at the Chavit Coliseum in Vigan City, Ilocos Sur.
The Solar Spikers made a recruitment coup during the offseason after signing Most Valuable Players Vanie Gandler and Erika Santos to reinforce their wing spot and team up with franchise player Bella Belen.
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However, national team duties kept the trio from suiting up.
This gives second overall pick in the latest Draft libero Detdet Pepito and second round selection open spiker Khy Cepada all the attention in their much-anticipated debuts in the 4 p.m. curtain-raiser.
Capital1 still has a formidable crew despite missing a chunk of scorers with veterans Cherry Nunag, Ezra Madrigal, KC Galdones, Pauline Gaston and Pia Abbu, giving the squad balance and depth at the net against an Nxled side that has likewise reinforced its frontline.
Pepito, a decorated libero coming out of University of Santo Tomas, will form a dependable trio with Roma Mae Doromal and Rachel Jorvina.
Cepada, a product of University of the East, will reinforce the team’s wings alongside Trisha Genesis, Ysa Jimenez, Leila Cruz, Sydney Niegos, and France Ronquillo.
On the other hand, the Chameleons seek retribution after suffering an 18-25, 23-25, 25-16, 19-25, loss to Creamline in their opening outing last 8 July in Ilagan City in Isabela.
Although missing main gunner three-time Most Valuable Player Brooke Van Sickle for the whole pre-season competition due to a right shoulder injury, Nxled will try to take advantage of its depth.
The Chameleons parade a solid frontline with Jackie Acuña, MJ Phillips, Krich Macaslang, Aduke Ogunsanya and veteran Aby Maraño while banking on the explosive wing combination Myla Pablo, Jonah Escamillan and Lyann De Guzman, Chiara Permentilla and EJ Laure.
Meanwhile, the nightcap at 6:30 p.m. also promises plenty of intrigue as last year’s On Tour champion PLDT battles Choco Mucho for its opener.
The High Speed Hitters appear deeper and more experienced, with Savi Davison, Kim Dy, Kath Arado and Majoy Baron, leading a roster further reinforced by No. 7 Draft pick Fianne Ariola and free agency signing Joan Monares.
PLDT is looking to follow the same path it took last year, when it carried the momentum of its On Tour sweep to a perfect PVL Invitational championship.
Still, the lengthy layoff could pose an early challenge as the High Speed Hitters will need to find their rhythm early.
On the other hand, the Flying Titans continue to cope with the absence of national team standouts Sisi Rondina, Eya Laure and Dawn Macandili-Catindig.
Head coach Dante Alinsunurin is putting greater responsibility on No. 3 overall pick Tin Ubaldo, Des Cheng, Isa Molde, Jewel Encarnacion, Kat Tolentino, Caitlin Viray and Dindin Manabat to keep the Flying Titans competitive.
Choco Mucho is licking the wounds of its 14-25, 20-25, 23-25, bludgeoning at the hands of ZUS Coffee in Batangas on 11 July.
