GAMES TODAY
(Araneta Coliseum)
4 p.m. – Cignal vs Kobe Shinwa
6:30 p.m. – PLDT vs ZUS Coffee
KOBE Shinwa University begins its most crucial stretch in the PVL Invitational today, Thursday, aiming to clear the first of two formidable hurdles that stand between it and a dream finals appearance as it takes on Cignal at the Araneta Coliseum.
While PLDT is safely through to Sunday’s championship match with a spotless 4-0 record, the second Finals berth is still very much up for grabs – and Kobe Shinwa is determined to seize it.
PLDT has long secured the first finals berth with an unblemished 4-0 record and will use its 6:30 p.m. match against ZUS Coffee as a final tune-up for Sunday’s championship. There, the High Speed Hitters will not only aim to follow up their PVL On Tour title run but also complete a remarkable 13-game sweep across both tournaments.
But first things first.
Fresh off a stunning four-set victory over last year’s champion Creamline last Tuesday, Kobe Shinwa (2-1) is looking to carry its momentum into the final stretch of the tournament. With their combination of speed, chemistry and youthful exuberance, the Japanese showcased elite-level composure and execution in crunch time, overwhelming a veteran-laden Cool Smashers side.
Another victory in its 4 o’clock clash with Cignal will propel Kobe Shinwa into a blockbuster showdown with Chery Tiggo (3-1) at the close of the prelims on Friday, with both teams battling for the right to face powerhouse PLDT in the one-game Finals.
A win would also reinforce Kobe Shinwa’s rising stature as a legitimate title contender in their debut PVL stint.
But the HD Spikers aren’t about to roll over.
Despite being out of contention with a 1-3 record, Cignal remains a dangerous opponent – especially with Alas Pilipinas standouts Vanie Gandler and libero Dawn Catindig back in action. The duo played a key role in snapping the HD Spikers’ three-game skid, powering them to a confidence-boosting win over ZUS Coffee.
Now, they’re looking to close out their campaign on a high note by derailing Kobe Shinwa’s momentum.
But even if Cignal manages to overcome Kobe Shinwa, the Japanese squad could still book a finals berth with a 3- or 4-set win over Chery Tiggo on Friday. In that scenario, both teams would finish with identical 3-2 records, but Kobe Shinwa would advance with 9 points, surpassing Chery Tiggo’s 8.
However, if Kobe Shinwa prevails in five sets, the tables turn. While both teams would still be tied at 3-2, Chery Tiggo would clinch the second finals slot by having more total points.
Under the tournament’s scoring system, teams earn 3 points for a 3-0 or 3-1 win, 2 points for a 3-2 win, and 1 point for a 2-3 loss.
