Kobe Shinwa College throughout a PVL Invitational recreation towards ZUS Espresso Thunderbelles. –PVL PHOTO

Kobe Shinwa College made a powerful first impression within the PVL Invitational, sweeping ZUS Espresso, 25-14, 27-25, 25-17, on Saturday at Philsports Area in Pasig.

The lone Japanese consultant within the event after Kurashiki Ablaze’s withdrawal, Kobe Shinwa confirmed its trademark velocity and cohesion to maintain management for many of the match.

SCHEDULE: 2025 PVL Invitational event 

Setter Sakura Furuta ran the offense with 18 glorious units and earned Greatest Participant of the Recreation honors. She blended fast performs with back-row assaults that allowed 9 teammates to contribute on offense.

Nagisa Komatsuda scored 15 factors to guide Kobe Shinwa, whereas Kokono Yasuma added 12 in simply two units.

“We’re completely satisfied to have performed ZUS Espresso. It’s a pleasant expertise,” Furuta stated by an interpreter.

Kobe Shinwa College setter Sakura Furuta. –PVL PHOTO

ZUS Espresso, which had solely sooner or later of preparation and performed with out setter Cloanne Mondonedo and Alas Pilipinas center blocker Thea Gagate, put up its largest combat within the second set.

Kate Santiago and rookie Wielyn Estoque sparked a late push that gave the Thunderbelles a 25-24 lead, however Kobe Shinwa recovered to steal the body and take a 2-0 benefit.

Santiago completed with 13 factors for ZUS Espresso, whereas Estoque added 10. Sharya Ancheta and newcomer Riza Nogales chipped in seven and 5, respectively.

Kobe Shinwa closed out the match in 69 minutes, racing to a fast lead within the third set and by no means letting go.

The Hyogo-based squad was initially set to play within the 2022 Invitational however needed to withdraw attributable to COVID-19 protocols.

Now making its long-delayed debut, Kobe Shinwa is aiming to increase Japan’s run of success after Kurashiki Ablaze received the 2023 version.