FOR FLAG AND TROPHY
More than building the foundation of a dynasty by annexing a second straight title, the PLDT High Speed Hitters are determined to make a point for Philippine volleyball when they square off with Japanese college team Kobe Shinwa University in the PVL Invitational final on Sunday at Smart Araneta Coliseum.
“I hope this has a theme of Philippines vs Japan because that’s how we want to represent [ourselves] in the final,” PVL on Tour champion coach Rald Ricafort told the Inquirer after scouting how Kobe Shinwa pulled off a come-from-behind 21-25, 17-25, 26-24, 25-22, 15-6 win over Chery Tiggo on Friday.
The Japanese squad, which has an average age of 19, swept all its games after an opening loss en route to the Final.
The Savi Davison-led PLDT picked up from where it left off in the On Tour, where it earned its first-ever PVL title after beating Chery Tiggo in the final to complete a seven-game sweep.
Alas Pilipinas middle blocker Dell Palomata and rookie spiker Alleiah Malaluan also provided the much-needed spark, helping the High Speed Hitters win all five games on their way to their second straight final.
PLDT handed Kobe Shinwa’s lone loss in the conference with a 25-20, 25-22, 25-23 sweep. Ricafort is aware of their height advantage with three-time Best Middle Blocker Majoy Baron and PVL on Tour Finals MVP Mika Reyes conspiring with Davison and Kianna Dy’s offensive firepower.
But he’s wary of the Japanese fast-paced, disciplined style of play, which they flaunted in erasing a two-set deficit against Chery Tiggo to become the third foreign team to reach the final in four Invitational stagings, joining 2022 runner-up KingWhale Taipei and 2023 champion Kurashiki Ablaze.
“We have a slight edge in height, so maybe that’s an advantage in blocking and some attacking aspects. But in terms of speed, accuracy, and power, they’ve got all that too. So this is going to be another big test for us,” said the PLDT coach.
Kobe Shinwa University coach Kiyokazu Yamamoto and playmaker Sakura Furuta brace for the taller PLDT as they try to dismantle their blocking and floor defense, anchored by libero Kath Arado, to win the championship.
“PLDT has strong defense, a fast setter, and quick attacks. Our plan is to break their defense with aggressive serving. We believe we still have a chance to win,” said Furuta, who will go head-to-head against PLDT setter Kim Fajardo.
Kobe Shinwa, which is also led by Nagisa Komatsuda, who is fresh from a 31-point explosion, also seeks to showcase the Japanese brand of volleyball in their opportunity to face the top pro clubs in the Philippines.
With a chance to become the first team to sweep back-to-back tournaments in the PVL, Ricafort stressed the importance of having the right mindset, which brought them to the top two weeks ago.
“I think the key again is mindset, fighting for every single point. Especially in the final, nothing will come easy. But if we stay patient, focused, and show maturity, the results will follow,” said Ricafort. “It’s definitely a huge challenge, but we’ll hold on to each other and to the support of the fans this Sunday.”
Davison vowed to leave everything on the floor in PLDT’s bid to win a second straight championship despite the fatigue since the On Tour.
“I love the pressure. So, I’m looking forward to just the day in general, having practice in the morning, going to the game, and ending with a bang, trying to show everybody that we can do it again,” said Davison.
