PLDT clinches back-to-back PVL crowns, beats Kobe Shinwa in 4-setter bout

PLDT’s long years of frustration in the Premier Volleyball League have finally turned into triumph. After spending its first 10 conferences chasing glory without success, the High Speed Hitters are now rewriting their story—emerging as one of the league’s newest dynasties-in-the-making.

On Sunday night at the Smart Araneta Coliseum, PLDT shook off a slow start and roared back to topple Japan’s Kobe Shinwa University, 21-25, 31-29, 25-22, 25-18, clinching the 2025 PVL Invitational Conference title before a thunderous crowd. It was the franchise’s second championship in just two weeks, following their breakthrough triumph in the PVL On Tour.

The victory completed a spotless 5-0 campaign in the Invitational, adding to their 8-0 sweep earlier this month for a remarkable 13-game unbeaten streak. For a club once branded as a perennial struggle, PLDT now carries itself like a true powerhouse with no signs of slowing down.

Savi Davison once again stood tallest in the spotlight, firing 20 points while adding 18 receptions and nine digs. Her timely heroics late in the extended second set swung the momentum PLDT’s way. Kianna Dy provided solid support with 17 points, including four blocks—none bigger than the title-sealing rejection that ended the match.

Rookies and veterans alike delivered for PLDT. Jules Samonte and rookie Erika Raagas kept the offense flowing, while Dell Palomata and Fiola Mae Malaluan—both back from national team duties with Alas Pilipinas—powered key stretches. Palomata nailed the go-ahead hit in the third set, followed by Davison’s ace and Malaluan’s block that gave the High Speed Hitters a crucial 2-1 lead.

IT WAS WRITTEN IN THE STARS

Exactly one year ago, this PLDT team was on the saddest, deepest end of the emotional spectrum after missing the chance to be in the Finals. pic.twitter.com/5gDzAuhddY

— PLDT High Speed Hitters (@speedhitters) August 31, 2025

With momentum secured, PLDT unleashed its finishing kick in the fourth. Dy and Palomata carved out a 17-12 cushion, while Malaluan’s steady scoring pushed the gap to 23-14. Mika Reyes then set up championship point, before Dy’s block sealed the crown.

Malaluan capped the night with 15 points, Reyes added 12, while Kim Fajardo steered the offense with 29 excellent sets alongside three markers. Kath Arado was once again a defensive rock, tallying 22 digs.

The second set turned out to be the turning point. Trailing 21-18, PLDT clawed back and earned three set points at 26-25, only for Kobe Shinwa to snatch back the lead twice. But Davison’s clutch attacks restored order before Kokoro Yasuma sent her final swing long, leveling the match and igniting PLDT’s comeback.

Kobe Shinwa, which also lost to PLDT in the elimination round, settled for silver with a 4-2 record. Tournament standouts for the Japanese side included Nagisa Komatsuda, who topscored with 22 points and was awarded Best Outside Spiker, along with Kokoro Yasuma (14 points) and Reira Miyazaki (11 points). Sakura Furuta, named Best Setter, tallied 31 excellent sets in the final.

From heartbreak to history, the High Speed Hitters have transformed themselves into the team to beat—proving that their first taste of glory was no fluke and their newfound dominance may just be the beginning.

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