After years of waiting, Kobe Shinwa University makes its long-awaited PVL debut, clashing with the ZUS Coffee Thunderbelles in their Invitational opener.
Kobe Shinwa University is finally set to make its long-awaited debut in the PVL as the foreign guest team faces the ZUS Coffee Thunderbelles to open its Invitational campaign on Saturday, Aug. 23, at the PhilSports Arena.
Match time is at 1:30 p.m.
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The Japanese squad was originally slated to join the league in 2022 but withdrew due to pandemic restrictions. This time, the trip pushes through, though the team is no stranger to Philippine volleyball.
In 2017, the school shared the championship with Cignal in the Philippine Super Liga after sweeping all three games of the Invitational Cup final round.
Back home, Kobe Shinwa has built a strong résumé, winning the Kansai University Spring League three straight years from 2023-2025.
The squad also claimed silver medals in the West Japan Intercollegiate Championships during the same stretch, while adding to bronze finishes in 2013 and 2018.
As the tournament’s lone foreign guest team, Kobe Shinwa looks to follow in the footsteps of Kurashiki Ablaze, which won the Invitational in 2023.
[ALSO READ: Japanese teams Kurashiki, Kobe Shinwa set to spice up 2025 PVL Invitational Conference]
(With reports from Pao Ambat)
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[Editor's note: This article was written by a member of One Sports Digital with the help of AI, and then checked by the staff to ensure accuracy.]