Kobe Shinwa readies game plan to solve unbeaten PLDT in PVL Invitational Finals

Kobe Shinwa will have one more opportunity to take down the only team that has beaten them in the 2025 PVL Invitational.

The Japanese collegiate squad secured a Finals berth after a dramatic reverse sweep of Chery Tiggo, 21-25, 17-25, 26-24, 25-22, 15-6, at the Smart Araneta Coliseum on Friday, August 29.

This set up a championship showdown against PLDT—the same team that dealt them their lone elimination-round defeat.

In that earlier clash, the High Speed Hitters’ size and defense proved decisive, out-blocking Kobe Shinwa 11-1 to complete a sweep in three tight sets, 25-20, 25-22, 25-23.

But since then, head coach Kiyokazu Yamamoto’s wards have regrouped, stringing together three straight wins and gaining further confidence heading into the rematch.

“We saw that PLDT has a really good block. So, we’re thinking about how to handle PLDT’s blocking,” Yamamoto admitted.

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Team captain and setter Sakura Furuta echoed that determination, stressing a much more aggressive approach in the Finals.

“PLDT has strong defense, a fast setter, and quick attacks. Our plan is to break their defense with aggressive serving. We believe we still have a chance to win.”

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Top scorer Nagisa Komatsuda added that the experience of grinding through tough matches in their Invitational campaign has only strengthened their resolve.

“When we go back to Japan, there’s a league waiting for us. Today, we won a five-set match, which is a great experience for us. It gave us confidence for the fifth set,” said Komatsuda.

“I just want to remind myself not to get nervous, to enjoy playing volleyball, and just show you how we play.”

Can Kobe Shinwa overcome the dynasty-seeking PLDT? Fans will find out on Sunday, August 31, still at the Big Dome.