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Kobe Shinwa upsets Creamline in the PVL Invitational.–PVL PHOTO
MANILA, Philippines–Coming off a humbling shutout loss to unbeaten PLDT, Kobe Shinwa University bounced back with a stunning 27-25, 25-23, 23-25, 25-21 upset over powerhouse Creamline in the 2025 PVL Invitational Conference at Philsports Arena in Pasig.
The Cool Smashers, the league’s winningest team, had no answer for Kobe Shinwa’s blistering pace, pinpoint offense, relentless defense, and composure in the clutch.
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Creamline, true to its championship pedigree, mounted a late rally in the fourth set, trimming the deficit to 21-22 after a clever drop ball from Jema Galanza that put Kobe Shinwa on edge.
But the youthful visitors held their ground.
Nagisa Komatsuda came up clutch, winning a pivotal block touch challenge that broke Creamline’s momentum, before Arisu Ishikawa sealed the deal with a clinical through-the-block hit, ending a tense rally of swings and digs and completing one of the most gripping finishes of the tournament.
“I didn’t play well yesterday (Monday), but I’m very happy with my performance today. It was a tight match,” said streak hitter Kokoro Yasuma, who erupted for 23 points and anchored her all-around effort with 12 excellent receptions.
Nagisa Komatsuda and Arisu Ishikawa backed Yasuma with 16 points apiece, while Reira Miyazaki and Yuia Yamano chipped in 11 and nine points, respectively, highlighting Kobe Shinwa’s well-balanced and multi-pronged offensive attack.
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At the heart of the team’s near-flawless execution was setter Sakura Furuta, who orchestrated plays with 21 excellent sets, just one short of her counterpart Kyle Negrito, who tallied 22 for Creamline.
Pangs Panaga and Galanza both scored 20 points for Creamline, while Alyssa Valdez and Michele Gumabao added nine and eight markers, respectively. Lorie Bernardo also made her presence felt with seven points.
Kobe Shinwa outgunned Creamline with a 69-56 advantage in attack points and led in service aces, 5-2. Creamline, however, dominated at the net with 13 blocks to Kobe Shinwa’s three.
The loss also spoiled an outstanding all-around performance from Galanza, who tallied 11 excellent digs – matching libero Kyla Atienza – and added 17 receptions. Valdez also contributed significantly on defense with 10 receptions.
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Looking ahead to their do-or-die clash with Chery Tiggo for the second finals berth on Thursday, Yasuma added through an interpreter: “We’ll make the necessary adjustments, especially against their strong blocking.”
The two-hour, one-minute thriller not only saw Kobe Shinwa improve to 2-1 but also knocked Creamline out of the finals race.
In stark contrast, Kobe Shinwa’s inspired run now placed the Japanese side firmly in the hunt for a coveted championship berth – and possibly a rematch against PLDT, the only team that has managed to tame their high-octane style.
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Creamline, meanwhile, dropped to 1-3, closing the door on another championship bid in what has been a turbulent 2025 season.
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