KNOCKOUT DUEL
Twenty-four hours. Less, in fact. That’s what stands between Chery Tiggo and Kobe Shinwa University—and the clash that will put them on opposite sides of the court in the PVL Invitational Tournament.
Jen Nierva will be counting those hours.
Her opponents will do the same.
The Chery Tiggo libero, fresh off a stellar stint with Alas Pilipinas, has been one of the linchpins in the Crossovers’ campaign as they chase a second straight finals appearance. Her 19 excellent receptions and 11 digs in their sweep of ZUS Coffee not only highlighted her consistency but also her readiness for Friday’s crucial showdown.
“I think now, my teammates are more consistent. We’re figuring out how to play better together,” said the 25-year-old Nierva. “It’s not just one player anymore. Everyone contributes. Our system is working.”
Chery Tiggo’s 3-1 record has brought it to the cusp of a finals return against PLDT. But standing in the way is a determined Japanese squad equally hungry for a shot at the crown.
Kobe Shinwa University averted a meltdown against Cignal, surviving a fourth-set scare to post a 25-7, 25-18, 19-25, 27-25 win and force a winner-take-all for the final berth. The Japanese started like a well-oiled machine, dominating the opener in just 18 minutes and cruising to a 2-0 lead before weathering a late Cignal surge.
When the HD Spikers surged ahead 24-22 in the fourth, Kobe stayed composed. Arisu Ishikawa knotted the set at 25-all, and Kokoro Yasuma delivered the match’s final two points. With the win, KSU tied Chery Tiggo at 3-1 and extended its PVL stay by at least one more match.
“[W]e came here … to reach the Final,” said Kobe head coach Kiyokazu Yamamoto through a translator.
They’re one step closer to that goal.
No one has caught Kobe’s eye more than Cess Robles, Chery Tiggo’s leading scorer and jersey No. 1. “She’s the one we’re really watching out for since she’s the best player on Chery Tiggo,” Yamamoto said.
Yamamoto, who went straight to the hotel after the press briefing to review tapes of Chery Tiggo games, may have to keep his eyes peeled for more players this time.
“Our team has so many talented players, but someone needs to step up and lead,” said Nierva. “Once we connect all those individual skills, I believe that’s what will make the difference.”
Kobe Shinwa will be riding the momentum of its win, which may have left the squad a few things to worry about. The team saw a 15-13 lead vanish in the third set against Cignal after a 10-0 blast led by Rose Doria-Aquino and Jessa Ordiales. Cignal eventually bowed out with a 1-4 record, a far cry from its fourth-place finish in the PVL on Tour.
Kobe’s Nagisa Komatsuda led the charge with 21 points, including 19 kills and a block.
“In the third set, I struggled. But I just had to enjoy the fourth to get my rhythm back,” she said.
Ishikawa added 15 points, while Yasuma and Reira Miyazaki chipped in 12 and 11, respectively.
Both squads know what’s at stake. And by 4 p.m. Friday, only one will remain standing for a title shot against PLDT at the Smart Araneta Coliseum.
“We’re getting closer to the Final again,” said Nierva. “Hopefully, we can keep this up and show that same consistency in Friday’s game.”
The countdown has begun.
