PLDT a champion anew after edging Kobe Shinwa in finals of PVL Invitationals

PLDT overcame a Set 1 hiccup to deny guest team Kobe Shinwa University, 21-25, 31-29, 25-22, 25-18, and reign supreme in the 2025 PVL Invitational Conference on Sunday at the Smart Araneta Coliseum. 

With the win, the High Speed Hitters have claimed their second straight title following their tournament sweep of the previous PVL On Tour. 

It was a collective effort for PLDT with four players putting together double-digit outings led by Savi Davison, who posted 20 points laced with nine digs and 18 receptions. 

Kim Kianna Dy poured 17 markers, including four blocks and two aces, while rookie Alleiah Malaluan and veteran middle blocker Mika Reyes chipped in 15 and 12 points apiece. 

After dropping the opening set, PLDT figured in a tight Set 2 against the Japanese as they reached a 29-29 deadlock in the extended frame. 

But Davison unloaded a service ace before Kokoro Yasuma's attack sailed out to allow PLDT to level the game at one set apiece.

PLDT then broke an early 3-3 stalemate by staging a 14-9 rampage capped by a Dell Palomata block against her counterpart Reira Miyazaki as they raced to a 17-12 cushion. 

Errors proved costly for Kobe Shinwa in the ensuing plays as Davison soared from the backrow for a powerful kill that capped a 4-1 run, putting PLDT up 21-13. 

Spark plug Palomata then fired a quick hit before Malaluan’s crosscourt attack widened the gap to 23-14, with the Japanese side still struggling to convert on offense.

Kobe Shinwa tried to turn things around, but Reyes clinched the championship point off her quick attack before Dy put the roof against Nagisa Komatsuda on the left wing to complete their second championship in one month. 

Davison claimed the MVP honors for steering PLDT to yet another tournament sweep while her teammate Kath Arado was named Best Libero for anchoring their floor defense. 

Creamline's Jema Galanza and Komatsuda were recognized as the Best Outside Spikers while Ara Galang was handed the Best Opposite Spiker.

Jeanette Panaga and ZUS Coffee's Riza Nogales were given the Best Middle Blocker plums as Japanese setter Sakura Furuta took home the Best Setter award. 
 

—JKC, GMA Integrated News