Kobe Shinwa makes dominant PVL debut, sweeps undermanned ZUS Coffee

 Japan’s Kobe Shinwa University wasted no time announcing its arrival on the Philippine volleyball scene, rolling past ZUS Coffee in straight sets, 25-14, 27-25, 25-17, in the opening salvo of the 2025 PVL Invitational Conference Saturday at the Philsports Arena.

The Hyogo-based collegiate powerhouse, stepping in as Japan’s sole representative following the last-minute withdrawal of 2023 champion Kurashiki Ablaze, displayed the hallmark speed, cohesion, and technical precision that have long defined its program. 

The Thunderbelles of ZUS Coffee, playing with a depleted lineup and only a day of preparation, had no answers for the relentless pace and sharp execution of their Japanese counterparts.

Setter Sakura Furuta pulled the strings with clinical efficiency, finishing with 18 excellent sets en route to being named Best Player of the Game. 

Furuta orchestrated a fluid attack that saw 11 Kobe Shinwa players enter the scoring column, keeping ZUS Coffee’s defense constantly guessing.

SO KAWAII 😍💙

Check out the fun cheers from Kobe Shinwa University’s bench, hyping up their teammates on every play as they battle the ZUS Coffee Thunderbelles in the 2025 PVL Invitational! | via Jamie Velasco/One Sports#OSTimeout #PVL2025 #PVLInvitational pic.twitter.com/bJdMHxhmq1

— One Sports (@OneSportsPHL) August 23, 2025

“We’re thankful for the opportunity to play here. It was a great experience against a competitive team,” said Furuta through an interpreter, noting the effort and blocking presence of the local squad despite the odds.

Nagisa Komatsuda led the scoring with 15 points, while Kokono Yasuma added 12 markers despite playing only two sets. The Japanese squad’s superior ball movement and offensive diversity kept ZUS Coffee on their heels throughout the match.

Despite the straight-set loss, ZUS Coffee showed flashes of resilience, especially in the second set where they nearly pushed the visitors to the brink. However, the absence of key players Cloanne Mondonedo and Thea Gagate proved costly, as the Thunderbelles struggled to maintain rhythm against Kobe Shinwa’s relentless pressure.

Veteran hitter Kate Santiago delivered 13 points, while rising talent Wielyn Estoque tallied 10. Sharya Ancheta and newcomer Riza Nogales chipped in seven and five, respectively, but it wasn’t enough to disrupt Kobe Shinwa’s rhythm.

ZUS Coffee was the last team to qualify for the six-team Invitational field, which features some of the PVL’s top-tier clubs. With little time to prepare and major personnel missing, the Thunderbelles were always facing a tough uphill climb.

Kobe Shinwa, meanwhile, is looking to follow in the footsteps of Kurashiki Ablaze, who delivered Japan’s first PVL Invitational crown last year.

 Their next challenge comes on Monday against the PLDT High Speed Hitters, a battle that will provide a clearer gauge of their championship credentials.

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