Kobe Shinwa storms into PVL Finals with thrilling reverse sweep over Chery Tiggo

Kobe Shinwa University is headed to the 2025 Premier Volleyball League (PVL) Invitational Finals, pulling off a dramatic reverse sweep over Chery Tiggo, 21-25, 17-25, 26-24, 25-22, 15-6, in a high-octane semifinal clash at the Smart Araneta Coliseum on Friday.

Rallying back from two sets down, the youthful Japanese squad showcased its grit and composure, fueled by a monster performance from Nagisa Komatsuda, who became the 39th player in PVL history to breach the 30-point mark. 

Her clutch plays powered Kobe Shinwa to its third consecutive win and punched their ticket to a championship showdown with unbeaten PLDT.

Adding to the team’s historic night was Arisu Ishikawa, who notched the tournament’s first triple-double with 11 points, 13 digs, and 16 receptions — a performance that underlined her all-around impact on the court. Team captain Sakura Furuta orchestrated the offense masterfully, finishing with 33 excellent sets and four points.

Despite their average age of just 19, Kobe Shinwa played with the poise of seasoned veterans. The squad now rides a wave of momentum as it heads into its second finals appearance on Philippine soil, their first since lifting the Philippine Superliga (PSL) Invitational Cup in 2017.

With a 4-1 record at the end of the single-round preliminary phase, Kobe Shinwa secured the second finals berth behind PLDT (5-0), setting up a much-anticipated title clash between the PVL’s top two teams.

IT’S GONNA BE ONE SPECTACULAR VOLLEY SUNDAY! ✨

We are inviting you to watch the PVL Invitational Finals between the PLDT High Speed Hitters and the Kobe Shinwa University happening on Sunday, August 31, 6:30PM at the Smart Araneta Coliseum! pic.twitter.com/hUHVmaJcLb

— PLDT High Speed Hitters (@speedhitters) August 30, 2025

Kobe Shinwa head coach Kiyokazu Yamamoto, already making waves in the local volleyball scene, now has the rare chance to become only the second coach to win titles in both the PVL and PSL — a feat previously achieved by Godfrey Okumu, who led the University of the Philippines to collegiate championships in both leagues in 2018.

Chery Tiggo, on the other hand, fell just one win short of reaching the finals for the second straight year. Instead, they’ll face Creamline in a battle for bronze. Ara Galang led the fight with 19 points and 16 digs, while Jen Nierva made her mark in her return from Alas Pilipinas duties, finishing with 26 digs and 24 receptions.

 Cess Robles contributed 18 points, while Imee Hernandez chipped in 17, but the team ultimately faltered during the final stretch.

Kobe Shinwa’s decisive fifth-set surge — an 11-2 blitz — broke Chery Tiggo’s momentum and sealed the win in dominant fashion. Coach Yamamoto credited his team’s mental reset after a shaky start.

“In the first and second sets, all the players were really nervous. We were not able to play our game straight away. I told my players in the third set to change their mindsets,” said Yamamoto.

He further emphasized the importance of enjoying the moment: “Sakura and Nagisa struggled to show their games in the start. They forgot to enjoy their volleyball on the court.

 I told them that they should enjoy playing in this big venue to play better in this game.”

With confidence restored and spirits high, Kobe Shinwa now shifts focus to the finals — and a chance to etch their name in PVL history.

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