MANILA — PLDT High Speed Hitters cemented their status as the Premier Volleyball League’s newest powerhouse after storming back to dethrone Kobe Shinwa University of Japan, 21-25, 31-29, 25-22, 25-18, to capture the 2025 PVL Invitational Conference crown on Sunday night at the Smart Araneta Coliseum.
The High Speed Hitters, fresh off ending a decade-long title drought with their PVL On Tour championship just two weeks ago, followed it up with a flawless Invitational campaign, completing a 5-0 sweep en route to their second straight title.
Savannah Davison starred with 20 points, nine digs, and 18 receptions, capping her stellar run with the tournament’s Most Valuable Player award.
“We came into this game knowing that if they gave us the opportunity we had to take it,” said Davison. “They (Kobe Shinwa) are a really good team, they really challenged us. So we tried, this is probably one of the hardest games we played all year. Congrats to them as well but I couldn’t be any more proud of how we came out today.”
Kim Kianna Dy chipped in 17 markers, including the match-clinching block against Nagisa Komatsuda, while rookie Alleiah Malaluan added 15 and veteran Mika Reyes finished with 12. Libero Kath Arado, who anchored the floor defense with 22 digs, bagged Finals MVP honors.
“Sobrang happy and proud – all our sacrifices paid off, and we’re so thankful sa mga supporters,” Arado said.
Despite Komatsuda’s 22-point explosion, backed by Kokoro Yasuma’s 14 and Reira Miyazaki’s 11, Kobe Shinwa faltered against PLDT’s net defense. The Japanese side outscored the locals in attacks, 71-58, but failed to record a single block against PLDT’s 11 and committed 30 costly errors.
With the victory, PLDT became the first team to sweep two consecutive PVL tournaments, stamping its rise as a legitimate contender in the league’s new era.
Meanwhile, Michele Gumabao powered the Creamline Cool Smashers to their 19th consecutive podium finish after dismantling the Chery Tiggo Crossovers, 25-15, 25-13, 25-22, in the bronze medal match./PN
