Spotless run intact as PLDT routs Kobe Shinwa in PVL Invitational

PLDT remained untouchable in the 2025 PVL Invitational Conference after cruising past Japan’s Kobe Shinwa University in straight sets, 25-20, 25-22, 25-23, on Monday at the PhilSports Arena. 

The High Speed Hitters showed no signs of fatigue despite a grueling schedule that saw them capture their breakthrough crown in the recent PVL On Tour, as they made Japanese squad Kobe Shinwa their latest victim to improve to 4-0. 

Kobe, meanwhile, slipped to an even 1-1 record following its debut win against ZUS Coffee. 

Mika Reyes, the Finals MVP during their PVL On Tour title sweep, came up clutch by hitting back-to-back quick attacks that turned a three-point PLDT deficit to a 22-all deadlock in Set 3. 

Reira Miyazaki won a joust at the net to regain a 23-22 lead for Kobe before rookie Alleiha Malaluan went for an off-speed kill on the left side to bring the game into another deadlock. 

Savi Davison then unleashed one from the open side to clinch the match point as Reyes powered through another one of her quick plays to seal the sweep victory. 

Davison led the charge with a team-high 17 points together with six digs while Malaluan and Reyes chipped in 12 and 11 markers apiece with the former also chipping in eight receptions. 

Nagisa Komatsuda paced Kobe Shinwa with 21 points anchored on 19 attacks, one block, and one ace while Kokoro Yasuma, Yuia Yamano, and Miyazaki all chimed in with seven markers in the loss. 

"Ang pinaka-anticipate ay 'yung i-respect 'yung laro ng Japan, na 'yung mga long rallies, sobrang ganda na floor defense. Ang ni-remind ko sa kanila ay 'yung patience and na-test na rin kami nu'ng mga nakaraang [games namin]," PLDT head coach Rald Ricafort said. 

"Pero ayun nga, kakaiba 'yung ganitong experience. Happy kami na at least nakakuha kami ng win against Japan."

[What we anticipated was to respect the play of Japan, the long rallies, the really good floor defense. What I reminded them of is to have patience and we were really tested in the past games... But this is really a different experience. I'm happy we were able to get a win against Japan.]

—JMB, GMA Integrated News