The PVL gave fans a treat on Saturday with a triple-header at the PhilSports Arena featuring all six teams competing in the 2025 PVL Invitational Conference: Kobe Shinwa University, PLDT High Speed Hitters, Creamline Cool Smashers, Chery Tiggo Crossovers, Cignal HD Spikers, and Zus Coffee Thunderbelles.
Kobe Shinwa Makes Winning PVL Debut Against Zus Coffee
Kobe Shinwa University wasted no time proving it is here to win, sweeping the Zus Coffee Thunderbelles, 25-14, 27-25, 25-17, in an impressive showcase of speed, talent, and chemistry.
Setter Sakura Furuta was masterful in orchestrating the Kobe Shinwa offense, finishing with 18 excellent sets as she typified the Japanese team’s fast-paced attacking style. Nagisa Komatsuda and Kokono Yasuma were the biggest beneficiaries of Furuta’s precise setting, with the former firing 15 points and the latter scattering 12 in just two sets.
Kate Santiago’s 13 points paced Zus Coffee, while rookie Wielyn Estoque added 10.
Up Next:
Kobe Shinwa vs. PLDT on August 25 at PhilSports Arena
Zus Coffee vs. Cignal on August 25 at PhilSports Arena
PLDT Dismantles Cignal, Continues Winning Run
The PLDT High Speed Hitters are looking primed for back-to-back championships after disposing of the Cignal HD Spikers, 25-19, 25-13, 25-22, in yet another command performance following their sweep of the Chery Tiggo Crossovers in their 2025 PVL Invitational debut.
Rookie Alleiah Malaluan starred for PLDT once more, delivering a second-consecutive double-digit showing with 12 points on a variety of attacks, blocks, and aces. Savi Davison, who missed PLDT’s win over Chery Tiggo to rest, came back with a vengeance, firing 17 points on top of 7 receptions and 6 excellent digs. Majoy Baron was solid as well, adding 10 points on 3 blocks for the 3-0 High Speed Hitters, who have now won 10 straight dating back to the PVL On Tour.
Erika Santos was the lone bright spot for the 0-3 Cignal with her 10 points, though her performance was still a ways off from her MVP showing in the PVL On Tour.
Up Next:
PLDT vs. Kobe Shinwa on August 25 at PhilSports Arena
Cignal vs. Zus Coffee on August 25 at PhilSports Arena
Chery Tiggo Stuns Creamline in Epic Five-Setter
The final match of the PVL’s Saturday triple-header in Pasig proved to be a fitting encore as the Chery Tiggo Crossovers and Creamline Cool Smashers engaged in a thrilling five-setter that the former ultimately won, 25-20, 24-26, 21-25, 25-17, 17-15, in front of a packed, roaring PhilSports Arena crowd.
Renee Peñafiel, a former UST reserve, played the game of her professional life, firing 18 points including 3 aces and 3 blocks—the last of which was on Michele Gumabao to tow the Crossovers to match point. Ara Galang led the way for Chery Tiggo with 20 markers, most coming in the first two sets. Cess Robles was also outstanding, finishing with 16 points, 10 excellent digs, and 10 receptions. Pauline Gaston added 10 points off the bench and was a steadying force for the Crossovers in the final two sets.
Like old times, Jema Galanza, Michele Gumabao, and Alyssa Valdez carried the cudgels for Creamline, who have now lost three of four five-setters dating back to the PVL On Tour. Galanza top-scored for the Cool Smashers with 23, Gumabao fired 21, and Valdez had 17.
Up Next:
Chery Tiggo vs. Zus Coffee on August 26 at PhilSports Arena
Creamline vs. Kobe Shinwa on August 26 at PhilSports Arena
