Kobe Shinwa University during a PVL Invitational game against ZUS Coffee Thunderbelles. –PVL PHOTO
Kobe Shinwa University made a strong first impression in the PVL Invitational, sweeping ZUS Coffee, 25-14, 27-25, 25-17, on Saturday at Philsports Arena in Pasig.
The lone Japanese representative in the tournament after Kurashiki Ablaze’s withdrawal, Kobe Shinwa showed its trademark speed and cohesion to keep control for most of the match.
SCHEDULE: 2025 PVL Invitational tournament
Setter Sakura Furuta ran the offense with 18 excellent sets and earned Best Player of the Game honors. She mixed quick plays with back-row attacks that allowed nine teammates to contribute on offense.
Nagisa Komatsuda scored 15 points to lead Kobe Shinwa, while Kokono Yasuma added 12 in just two sets.
“We’re happy to have played ZUS Coffee. It’s a nice experience,” Furuta said through an interpreter.
Kobe Shinwa University setter Sakura Furuta. –PVL PHOTO
ZUS Coffee, which had only one day of preparation and played without setter Cloanne Mondonedo and Alas Pilipinas middle blocker Thea Gagate, put up its biggest fight in the second set.
Kate Santiago and rookie Wielyn Estoque sparked a late push that gave the Thunderbelles a 25-24 lead, but Kobe Shinwa recovered to steal the frame and take a 2-0 advantage.
Santiago finished with 13 points for ZUS Coffee, while Estoque added 10. Sharya Ancheta and newcomer Riza Nogales chipped in seven and five, respectively.
Kobe Shinwa closed out the match in 69 minutes, racing to a quick lead in the third set and never letting go.
The Hyogo-based squad was originally set to play in the 2022 Invitational but had to withdraw due to COVID-19 protocols.
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Now making its long-delayed debut, Kobe Shinwa is aiming to extend Japan’s run of success after Kurashiki Ablaze won the 2023 edition.
