Kobe Shinwa University showed no signs of first-game jitters, taking care of business in their PVL Invitational debut against the ZUS Coffee Thunderbelles.
What PVL jitters?
Kobe Shinwa University passed their first test in the Invitational Conference with flying colors, sweeping the undermanned ZUS Coffee Thunderbelles, 25-14, 27-25, and 25-17 at the PhilSports Arena in Pasig City on Saturday, August 23.
Save for a tight second set, the Japanese team was firing on all cylinders to barge into the win column of the two-week tournament.
After ZUS Coffee cut the deficit to 9-10 in the third set, Kobe Shinwa responded with a quick 6-1 run to restore order at 16-10 and eventually sealed the victory after a Shion Muku quick attack.
Team captian Sakura Furota flaunted her playmaking brilliance, earning the Player of the Game honors after tossing 18 excellent sets.
Up next for the Kiyokazu Yamamoto-mentored squad are the unbeaten PLDT High Speed Hitters, on Monday, August 25, at 4:00 p.m. in the same venue.
[ALSO READ: SCHEDULE, RESULTS | ZUS Coffee joins top four PVL teams, Kobe Shinwa in Invitational tilt]
Meanwhile, it was a lackluster Invitational debut for the Thunderbelles, who were missing several key players Jovelyn Gonzaga, AC Miner, Alyssa Eroa, Chinnie Arroyo, Cloanne Mondoñedo, and Thea Gagate. All are currently on vacation but are expected to rejoin the team next week.
ZUS Coffee, a last-minute replacement for 2023 champion Kurashiki, aims to bounce back in their next game against fellow win-seeking Cignal HD Spikers.
(With reports from Kiko Demigillo, Jamie Velasco/One Sports Digital)