Coach Kiyokazu Yamamoto underscored the Kobe Shinwa's urgent need to embrace the rhythm and environment of Philippine volleyball, scoring a triumphant PVL Invitational debut.
All the extra work was worth it.
Two days after landing in Manila, Kobe Shinwa University wasted no time acclimating to Philippine volleyball—squeezing in practices and even playing a tune-up match against the College of St. Benilde Lady Blazers.
The Japanese team even squeezed in practice at 8 a.m. on Saturday ahead of their 1:30 p.m. PVL Invitational Conference debut.
By noon, they were already warming up at the PhilSports Arena.
And it showed.
“The most important thing was how to adjust to the environment in the Philippines. So, I was given a hard schedule of practice,” Kobe Shinwa’s coach said in the aftermath of their straight-set victory against the ZUS Coffee Thunderbelles.
[ALSO READ: Kobe Shinwa turns back undermanned ZUS Coffee for rousing PVL Invitational debut]
That foundation carried them through a shaky start as team captain and setter Sakura Furuta admitted to feeling nervous early, especially as the squad quickly trailed 6-2 in the opening set.
“Most of the members who came here this time, except for the captain, had almost no experience abroad,” Yamamoto noted.
But once she settled, Kobe Shinwa clicked into another gear as the 22-year-old playmaker directed the offense with 18 excellent sets in a 1-hour, 17-minute debut that earned her Player of the Game honors.
Nagisa Komatsuda poured in 15 points, while Kokoro Yasuma added 12 to complete the balanced attack.
“I think it was a little bit hard, but I think it was good that our rhythm came out from the middle. In the first set, the players were a little bit nervous. So, they were a little bit worried, but their game came out little by little. So, it was a good game,” Yamamoto added.
Now, the real test awaits as Kobe Shinwa faces the undefeated PLDT High Speed Hitters, the newly-minted PVL On Tour champions, in their next match on Monday, August 25.
[ALSO READ: SCHEDULE, RESULTS | ZUS Coffee joins top four PVL teams, Kobe Shinwa in Invitational tilt]
Meanwhile, Kate Santiago topscored with 13 points for ZUS Coffee, while rookie Wielyn Estoque added 10. Their usual starters were either resting or on vacation, as the Thunderbelles were called up as last-minute replacements for 2023 champions Kurashiki Ablaze.
The undermanned Thunderbelles fell to 0-1, just ahead of the 0-2 Cignal HD Spikers. The two winless squads will meet next Monday at 4:00 p.m. in the same arena.
(With reports from Kiko Demigillo/One Sports Digital)