Kobe Shinwa primes up vs Chery Tiggo, faces Cignal

Games today (Thursday)
(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, Aug. 29, aiming to clear the first of two tough hurdles between them and a dream Finals appearance.

The Japanese squad takes on Cignal at 4 p.m. at the Smart Araneta Coliseum.

While PLDT has already secured a Finals slot with a perfect 4-0 record, the second championship berth remains up for grabs—and Kobe Shinwa is determined to seize it.

PLDT will use its 6:30 p.m. match against ZUS Coffee as a final tune-up for Sunday’s title showdown, where the High Speed Hitters aim to follow up their PVL On Tour crown and complete a 13-game sweep across both tournaments.

But first things first.

Fresh off a four-set stunner over defending champion Creamline last Tuesday, Kobe Shinwa (2-1) looks to carry its momentum into the tournament’s final stretch.

With speed, chemistry and youthful energy, the Japanese side showcased elite composure and execution under pressure, overpowering the veteran-laden Cool Smashers.

A win over Cignal will set up a must-watch matchup against Chery Tiggo (3-1) on Friday, with both teams fighting for the right to challenge powerhouse PLDT in the one-game Finals.

Another victory would also solidify Kobe Shinwa’s growing reputation as a legitimate title contender in its PVL debut.

But Cignal isn’t backing down.

Despite being out of Finals contention with a 1-3 record, the HD Spikers remain dangerous—especially with Alas Pilipinas stars Vanie Gandler and libero Dawn Catindig back in the fold.

The duo powered Cignal to a morale-boosting win over ZUS Coffee, snapping a three-game skid and restoring confidence heading into their final outing.

Cignal now aims to end its campaign on a high note by halting Kobe Shinwa’s momentum.

Still, Kobe Shinwa can clinch a Finals spot even with a loss—depending on how they perform against Chery Tiggo on Friday.

If Kobe Shinwa beats Chery Tiggo in three or four sets, both teams will finish with 3-2 records, but Kobe Shinwa will advance with 9 points over Chery Tiggo’s 8.

However, if Kobe Shinwa wins in five sets, Chery Tiggo will advance by earning more total points despite the identical 3-2 finish.

Under PVL’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.

Currently, Chery Tiggo sits at 8 points, while Kobe Shinwa has 6.

Cignal, meanwhile, is still fighting for a bronze medal finish and is expected to play with a winning mindset.

Catindig, named Best Player of the Game in their last match, was in top form with 18 excellent digs and 15 receptions.

Her veteran defense will be key against Kobe Shinwa’s dynamic offense, led by the explosive duo of Kokoro Yasuma and Nagisa Komatsuda.

Yasuma’s power and Komatsuda’s versatile scoring have been boosted by the steady libero play of Rino Hirami, giving Kobe Shinwa a well-balanced, dangerous attack.

Although Kobe Shinwa suffered a straight-set loss to PLDT earlier in the tournament, they quickly rebounded with a sweep of ZUS Coffee and a big win over Creamline.

Their brand of fast-paced, precision volleyball has captivated local fans and raised the level of competition in this short but intense PVL Invitational.