Kobe Shinwa Stuns Chery Tiggo, Books Finals Date with PLDT

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by Misha Cruz

Japanese guest team Kobe Shinwa enters the PVL Invitational Finals after beating Chery Tiggo.
Japanese guest team Kobe Shinwa enters the PVL Invitational Finals after beating Chery Tiggo. Photo: PVL Images.

What a comeback! 

Japanese guest team Kobe Shinwa pulled off an electrifying reverse sweep to crash into the 2025 PVL Invitational Finals, outlasting Chery Tiggo in a five-set thriller, 21-25, 17-25, 26-24, 25-22, 15-6, on Friday at the Smart Araneta Coliseum.

It was a rollercoaster of emotions as Kobe Shinwa looked down and out after surrendering the first two sets. But the young Japanese squad refused to fold, storming back with grit, heart, and a whole lot of firepower to snatch the last ticket to the championship.

Nagisa Komatsuda delivered a performance to remember, exploding for 30+ points to become part of the PVL’s elite scoring club and keeping her squad alive when it mattered most. Teammate Arisu Ishikawa added to the fireworks by tallying the team’s first triple-double of the tournament (11 points, 13 digs, 16 receptions). Meanwhile, skipper Sakura Furuta orchestrated the offense beautifully with 33 excellent sets on top of four points.

Not bad for a squad with an average age of only 19!

Nagisa Komatsuda (40) spikes the ball against the defense of Ara Galang (10).
Nagisa Komatsuda (40) spikes the ball against the defense of Ara Galang (10). Photo: PVL Images.

With the victory, Kobe Shinwa extended its winning streak to three and set up a blockbuster finals showdown against unbeaten PLDT, who swept the prelims with a perfect 5-0 card. This also gives head coach Kiyokazu Yamamoto a shot at making history, aiming to join the short list of mentors who have won titles in both the PVL and PSL.

For Chery Tiggo, it was heartbreak. The Crossovers were just a step away from forcing a finals rematch with PLDT but will instead fight for bronze against Creamline. Ara Galang (19 points, 16 digs), Cess Robles (18 points), and Imee Hernandez (17 points) all came up big, while libero Jen Nierva had a spectacular 26-dig, 24-reception outing. But in the decider, Kobe Shinwa’s relentless 11-2 finishing kick sealed their fate.

Chery Tiggo won the first two sets but dropped the next three.
Chery Tiggo won the first two sets but dropped the next three. Photo: PVL Images.

Coach Yamamoto revealed his simple pep talk that turned the match around: “In the first two sets, my players were nervous and couldn’t show their game. I reminded them to just enjoy playing — and that’s when everything changed.”

And change, it did. Now, the stage is set for an epic PVL Finals: PLDT vs. Kobe Shinwa. Will the local powerhouse keep its perfect record, or will the fearless guest squad spoil the party?