PLDT High Speed Hitters stormed back from an early setback to struck past Kobe Shinwa University, 21-25, 31-29, 25-22, 25-18, in the one-game final of 2025 Premier Volleyball League (PVL) Invitational Conference to power their second straight championship at Araneta Coliseum on Sunday.
The PVL on Tour champs once again reigned a league title making them the second team to nab a back-to-back trophy as they relentlessly overwhelm the Japanese visitors though on a hard-earned win.
Living up to expectation, PLDT star Savannah Davison proved a pivotal, anchoring PLDT’s 11 blocks and 51 attack points while capitalizing on Kobe Shinwa’s 17 unforced errors.
The Filipino-Canadian standout delivered a masterful all-around performance not only powering PLDT’s repeat but also earning her the “Most Valuable Player” award of this year’s season of PVL Invitational, props to her top 10 of almost every statistical category finish.
PLDT’s early struggle stood up visible as they had a hard time formulating a surge, Kobe Shinwa meanwhile made sure to pounce the moment as Sakura Furuta seals the first set with an ace.
After a commanding 22-21 salvo from the High Speed Hitters in the second frame, the set somehow extends to a 29-all nail-biter as Kobe Shinwa refuses to surrender the set, though unfazed Davison pulled up a push without a response from the visitors to sieze the stretch, 31-29.
Late in the third set, Kobe Shinwa holds a commanding 21-19 gap but could not find the right finishing touch, allowing PLDT to string a decisive haul fizzling out the collegiate visitors to snatch the frame, 25-22.
With eyes set on the title on the fourth frame, the Filipina foes jumped to a quick four-point cushion capitalizing on Kobe Shinwa’s unforced miscues which built a huge momentum on their side.
Riding their rhythm, PLDT managed to close it out in their last-ditch rally with Kianna Dy delivering a winning wall to clinch the franchise’s first invitational crown.
