High Speed Hitters sweep Kobe Shinwa, gain finals entry

Games Tuesday

(PhilSports Arena)

4 p.m. - Kobe Shinwa University vs Creamline

6:30 p.m. - ZUS Coffee vs Chery Tiggo

MANILA, Philippines — From a trophy-less stint to a potential two-time Premier Volleyball League champion.

It was how PLDT has transformed after it earned a crack at a second straight title following a 25-20, 25-22, 25-23 victory over a pesky Kobe Shinwa University of Japan Monday in the PVL Invitational at the PhilSports Arena.

It was the fourth victory in as many outings for the Manny V. Pangilinan-owned franchise. More importantly, it propelled it straight to finals regardless of the result of its last elimination round duel with ZUS Coffee Friday at the Smart Araneta Coliseum.

The one-game finale is slated Sunday also at the Big Dome.

If the High Speed Hitters eventually end up winning it all again, it will add to their newly earned breakthrough trophy it captured via their sensational immaculate title sweep of the PVL on Tour.

Savi Davison was at it again, firing team-best 17 points, including 13 on spikes and three on blocks, while sensational rookie Alleiah Malauan and PVL on Tour Finals MVP Mika Reyes chipped 12 and 11 hits, respectively.

PLDT, however, had to turn back a young but gritty Japanese college squad, which was in control in the second and third sets before the former unleashed a back-breaking rally that turned the tide.

“We anticipated this kind of game since we all know how the Japanese play —long rallies, superb floor defense,” said PLDT coach Rald Ricafort. “But I reminded the team to be patient and I knew we will pull through because we were tested already in our previous games.”

“We’re just happy we got this win from a Japan team,” he added.

It was Kobe Shinwa’s first defeat in two starts.