Kokoro Yasuma of Kobe Shinwa University scores against Abigail Maraño and Ara Galang of Chery Tiggo in the PVL Invitational Conference at the Araneta Coliseum on Friday (Aug. 29, 2025). Kobe Shinwa won, 21-25, 17-25, 26-24, 25-22, 15-6, to arrange a title duel with PLDT. (PVL photo)
Kobe Shinwa University delivered a masterclass in resilience and firepower, toppling Chery Tiggo 21-25, 17-25, 26-24, 25-22, 15-6 at the Araneta Coliseum to punch their ticket to the PVL Invitational Conference finals Friday night.
Nagisa Komatsuda was unstoppable, racking up 31 points on 29 attacks and adding two blocks, while Kokoro Yasuma contributed 16 points, including 14 kills, as the Japanese powerhouse clawed back from a two-set deficit. Arisu Ishikawa and Riera Miyazaki added 11 and 10 points, respectively, as Kobe Shinwa dominated in total attacks, 73-55.
“In the first two sets, I was nervous and couldn’t set well for our spikers. That’s why Chery Tiggo was ahead,” captain Sakura Furuta said through an interpreter. “By the third set, I found my rhythm and everything clicked. I’m just thankful we pulled through.” Furuta herself dished out 33 excellent sets and added three points.
Kobe Shinwa now gears up to clash with PLDT in what promises to be an electrifying finals showdown.
For Chery Tiggo, Ara Galang carried the scoring load with 19 points, led by 16 kills. Princess Robles chipped in 18 points with 13 attacks, three blocks, and two aces, while Imee Hernandez contributed 17 points, anchored by five blocks. The Tigresses will turn their sights to the battle for third place against Creamline.
In other action, the Cool Smashers flexed their muscles against ZUS Coffee Thunderbelles, cruising to a 25-15, 25-18, 25-21 victory. Jema Galanza starred with 18 points, 13 receptions, and 11 digs, earning Best Player of the Game honors. Team captain Alyssa Valdez and Michelle Gumabao chipped in nine points each, while Jeanette Panaga added seven.
ZUS Coffee ended their campaign winless at 0-5, with AC Miner leading their charge with 15 points, followed by Kate Santiago with nine and Riza Nogales with seven.