Kobe Shinwa University makes a triumphant debut in the PVL. PVL Media Bureau
MANILA — Kobe Shinwa University had a sweet debut in the Premier Volleyball League (PVL).
This, as the visiting Japanese squad made quick of an undermanned Zus Coffee side, 25-14, 27-25, 25-17, in the 2025 PVL Invitational on Saturday at the PhilSports Arena in Pasig City.
READ: PVL: Zus Coffee joins Invitationals after Kurashiki pulls out
Sakura Furuta steered Kobe Shinwa's offense, listing 18 excellent sets, Nagisa Komatsuda tallied 15 points to lead all scorers, while Kokoro Yasuma had 12 points in only two sets played.
The Thunderbelles played without their core of captain Cloanne Mondonedo, AC Miner, Jov Gonzaga, Chinnie Arroyo, Mycah Go, Fiola Ceballos, Alyssa Eroa, among others.
It is still unsure whether they will see action on Monday against Cignal.
With Alas Pilipinas Women granted early release to their PVL teams, there's also a possibility that former top pick Thea Gagate in the Zus Coffee will be in action in this tournament.
The Thunderbelles were fielded last-minute by owner Frank Lao after Kurashiki Ablaze withdrew from the six-squad short tourney, citing a "serious compliance violation" of the Japan crew's head coach.
It was supposed to be Farm Fresh, as it finished fifth in the 2025 PVL on Tour, but the Foxies "weren't ready," according to Lao.
The short-staffed Thunderbelles had Kate Santiago leading the offense with 13 points, while Wielyyn Estoque had 10 markers which all came from spikes.
RELATED VIDEO: