The back end of a rare back-to-back PVL play date featured the Creamline Cool Smashers, Kobe Shinwa University, Chery Tiggo Crossovers, and Zus Coffee Thunderbelles. The two games—Creamline against Kobe Shinwa and Chery Tiggo versus Zus Coffee—had significant playoff implications in the continuation of the 2025 PVL Invitational.
Kobe Shinwa Stuns Creamline, Sends Defending Champs Crashing Out
Kobe Shinwa University pulled off the upset of the tournament on Tuesday, stunning the defending PVL Invitational champs, 27-25, 25-23, 23-25, 25-21, and sending them crashing out of finals contention in the process.
The young guest team from Japan leaned on its dynamic, fast-paced offense and hustling defense all throughout the intense four-setter to repulse their more experienced adversaries, whose dynastic run in the PVL remains the yardstick of success.
Kokoro Yasuma exploded for a game-high 23 points on top of 12 excellent receptions to lead the way for Kobe Shinwa. Nagisa Komatsuda and Arisu Ishikawa fired 16 points apiece, while Reira Miyazaki and Yuia Yamano contributed 11 and 9 markers, respectively, as the Japanese squad displayed a balanced attack.
Pangs Panaga and Jema Galanza top-scored for the Cool Smashers with 20 apiece. Alyssa Valdez added 9, Michele Gumabao chipped in 8, and Lorie Bernardo had 7.
Up Next
Kobe Shinwa vs. Chery Tiggo on August 29 (Smart Araneta Coliseum)
Creamline vs. Zus Coffee on August 29 (Smart Araneta Coliseum)
Chery Tiggo Humbles Zus Coffee, Forces Do-or-Die Clash with Kobe Shinwa
In the main game on Tuesday, the Chery Tiggo Crossovers humbled the Zus Coffee Thunderbelles, 25-17, 25-17, 25-23, to arrange a do-or-die clash with Kobe Shinwa for the right to play the PLDT High Speed Hitters in the 2025 PVL Invitational Finals.
Parading a complete lineup for the first time this conference, Chery Tiggo proved too good for Zus Coffee, racing out to a 2-nil lead with back-to-back dominant sets. Then, with the Thunderbelles putting up a fight in the third set, the Crossovers proved steadier in the clutch as Zus Coffee made big mistakes down the stretch.
Cess Robles powered the Chery Tiggo offense with a team-high 17 points, while Ara Galang added 9 markers. Renee Peñafiel chipped in 8 points, including some decisive hits in the third set. Jen Nierva, meanwhile, had 11 excellent digs and 19 receptions to lead the Crossovers’ steady defense.
Kate Santiago’s 11 points anchored Zus Coffee’s offense, followed by 9 markers apiece from Caroline Santos and Wielyn Estoque.
Up Next
Chery Tiggo vs. Kobe Shinwa on August 29 (Smart Araneta Coliseum)
Zus Coffee vs. PLDT High Speed Hitters on August 28 (Smart Araneta Coliseum)
