PLDT escapes Kobe Shinwa to bag second straight PVL title

By Leobert Julian A. de la Peña

How fast was that kind of PLDT connection?

Two championship titles in just two weeks—unreal.

Fresh off a winning campaign during the Premier Volleyball League (PVL) On Tour, the PLDT High-Speed Hitters secured their second consecutive title by dominating the recently concluded Invitational Conference.

On Aug. 31, 2025, the High-Speed Hitters shook off a slow start and staged a come-from-behind victory over guest team Kobe Shinwa University of Japan, 21-25, 31-29, 25-22, 25-18, at the SMART Araneta Coliseum.

PLDT proved that no championship hangover could derail its momentum, but winning back-to-back titles wasn’t easy, especially against a fired-up Kobe Shinwa squad.

Unlike in their Aug. 25 encounter—where PLDT swept the Japanese side in three straight sets—Kobe Shinwa came out sharp, capitalizing on improved backline attacks that had been absent in their first duel.

Kobe Shinwa caught PLDT off guard with quick and unpredictable sets, taking a 1-0 lead after an impressive opening set.

PLDT entered the second set with a sense of urgency, knowing the Invitational Conference followed a knockout format.

The team opened strong, with Savannah Davison scoring the first three points of the set to help establish rhythm.

Kobe Shinwa, however, answered midway through the frame, regaining control behind Nagisa Komatsuda’s well-placed drop shots.

Davison kept PLDT alive with clutch hits, extending the set into a thrilling back-and-forth battle.

With Kobe Shinwa nearly up 2-0, libero Kath Arado sparked a turnaround with crucial saves that shifted momentum to the High-Speed Hitters.

Arado’s floor defense turned what seemed like lost points into scoring opportunities, helping PLDT survive and level the match at 1-1.

After tying the match, PLDT took control of the final two sets as Kobe Shinwa showed signs of fatigue and struggled under pressure.

Davison delivered a stellar all-around performance with 20 points from 18 attacks, 18 excellent receptions, and nine excellent digs.

Kim Kianna Dy added 17 points, while Alleiah Malaluan and Mika Reyes contributed 15 and 12 points, respectively.

Arado, the team’s defensive anchor, was named Finals Most Valuable Player with 22 excellent digs.

What a performance—PLDT on top!