PLDT has been focused more on recovery than refinement as it marches into Sunday's much-anticipated PVL Invitational finals, determined to extend its history-making run – and potentially sweeping a second straight tournament following their title romp in the PVL On Tour.
But standing in the way of their pursuit for back-to-back glory is a young and fearless Kobe Shinwa side – a team brimming with energy, discipline and an unshakable desire to carve its own piece of history on Philippine soil.
Game time is set at 6:30 p.m. at the Araneta Coliseum, with a huge crowd expected to witness the thrilling clash of styles: the sheer power and size of PLDT versus the quick tempo and seamless coordination of the Japanese.
If records are the measure, PLDT is already well on its way to an extended and emphatic run. The High Speed Hitters are aiming to go undefeated in the Invitational, following a title sweep in the PVL On Tour – a franchise first. That dominant run in the past two weeks included a 25-20, 25-22, 25-23 victory over Kobe Shinwa in the prelims – a performance they’ll be looking to repeat tonight.
Yet, as seasoned observers know, finals are never like regular games. In a one-game, winner-takes-all showdown, everything is magnified – from power and experience to composure and grit.
Led by the explosive Savi Davison and dynamic rookie Alleiah Malaluan on the wings, PLDT boasts a lineup packed with firepower and experience. Their front line – anchored by veterans Majoy Baron, Mika Reyes and Kim Dy – is a daunting wall of muscle, timing and intelligence that has consistently shut down opponents all conference long. The return of Dell Palomata has only added more teeth to their already-ironclad net defense.
Behind that wall, Kath Arado’s tireless efforts in floor defense provide the stability of a true libero leader, while Kim Fajardo’s veteran playmaking continues to create clean looks for their hitters – seamlessly blending power with precision.
That’s not even scratching the surface of PLDT’s depth. With the likes of Kiesha Bedonia, Jessey de Leon, Shiela Kisea and Angge Alcantara ready to contribute at any moment, the High Speed Hitters have the personnel to sustain their intensity across long matches – and through brutal schedules like the one they’ve navigated in this tournament.
“We’ve been prioritizing conditioning more than anything else,” said PLDT head coach Rald Ricafort in Filipino, whose squad has played four matches in six days. “For the last two games, we’ve barely had full practices. On off-days, we just opt for rest and light sweat sessions.”
Still, their relative advantage in rest compared to the visiting team – courtesy of their carryover win and dominant On Tour performance – could prove crucial tonight.
In contrast, the Japanese team played five consecutive games, including two back-to-back matches.
But don’t mistake youth for inexperience. Kobe Shinwa, composed of collegiate players from Japan, has dazzled local fans with their lightning-quick pace, on-point defensive reads, and crisp, synchronized execution. Their brand of volleyball is smooth and rhythmic – at times resembling a perfectly choreographed dance – and it’s proven difficult to stop for every team they’ve faced.
While they fell short against PLDT during the prelims, the Japanese squad showed immense growth and resilience in their stunning comeback win over Chery Tiggo Friday. Down 0-2, they stormed back to win in five, led by the brilliant setting of Sakura Furuta and the explosive scoring of Nagisa Komatsuda, who poured in 31 points.
“We lost the close sets in our last game with PLDT due to errors – that’s something we’re working to correct,” said Furuta. “We believe we still have a chance to win.”
Their offense thrives on quick attacks, lightning-fast ball movement, and aggressive serving – all designed to disorganize even the most disciplined defenses. And while PLDT’s block looms large, Kobe Shinwa’s strategy is to beat it with speed and unpredictability.
Coach Kiyokazu Yamamoto is fully aware of the challenge ahead.
“PLDT has a really good blocking game. We’re thinking about how to handle that,” he said.
Other scoring threats like Kokoro Yasuma, Arisu Ishikawa, Reira Miyazaki and Yuia Yamano all offer scoring punch from various angles, giving Kobe Shinwa a multi-faceted offensive game that can keep defenders guessing.
Komatsuda, reflecting the team’s youthful spirit, said: “I just want to remind myself not to get nervous, to enjoy volleyball, and to show you how we play.”
Meanwhile, Creamline and Chery Tiggo square off at 4:00 p.m. for the bronze. But all eyes will be on the main event where contrasting volleyball philosophies and generations will clash.
For PLDT, it’s a chance to extend its legacy and win back-to-back titles in dominant fashion.
For Kobe Shinwa, it’s about proving that heart, cohesion and speed can match — and possibly outshine – brute strength and star power.
This isn’t just about who wants it more – it’s about whose game rises when it matters most, and who’s ready to stand on top, and not be buried in the footnotes of history.
