Head coach Kiyokazu Yamamoto was quick to point out who Kobe Shinwa will be looking out for in their PVL Invitational battle against Chery Tiggo.
Kobe Shinwa University is already shifting its focus towards its virtual playoff against Chery Tiggo for the last Finals slot in the 2025 PVL Invitational.
The Japanese squad kept their championship hopes alive with a gritty four-set win over Cignal, 25-7, 25-18, 19-25, 27-25, at the Smart Araneta Coliseum in Quezon City on Thursday, August 28.
Head coach Kiyokazu Yamamoto admitted his team nearly lost control after the HD Spikers rallied in the third set, but praised his players for staying composed and finishing strong.
"In the third set, our momentum was cut short, and Cignal was able to get back in the match. I told my players in the fourth set that they still need to enjoy the game to get the win," Yamamoto said in Nihonggo during the post-game press conference.
The victory pushed Kobe Shinwa’s record to 3-1, needing to beat the Crossovers to reach the Finals.
"Our goal for tomorrow is to make it to the Finals. That’s what the team told us when we got here," he said.
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Asked about his early impression of Chery Tiggo, Yamamoto didn’t hesitate to single out one player in particular.
"I think Chery Tiggo's No. 1, the outside spiker. She has a lot of technique. I think she is their best player," he noted, in clear reference to Cess Robles.
The 28-year-old Robles has been a consistent force for the Crossovers in the Invitational, scoring 41 total points in the two-week tournament.
Kobe Shinwa is expected to keep their eye on the former NU standout ahead of Friday's clash, where the winner will advance to the Invitational championship match against undefeated PLDT.