What began as a lopsided affair quickly turned into a gripping showdown, but Kobe Shinwa held its nerve and displayed remarkable composure under pressure to thwart Cignal’s spirited comeback, escaping with a 25-7, 25-18, 19-25, 27-25 victory in the penultimate prelims playdate of the PVL Invitational Thursday at the Araneta Coliseum.

The Japanese squad looked poised for a straight-set rout after blitzing through the first two frames behind their speed, precision, and superior ball movement. But just when the match seemed headed for an early conclusion, Cignal roared back to life in Set 3, using aggressive net play and sharper service pressure to slow down the Kobe Shinwa offense and steal a set.

Then came a heart-stopping fourth set – and a true test of Kobe Shinwa’s character.

Facing three set points at 22-24, the Japanese young guns refused to blink. Instead, they dug deep and leaned on their disciplined system and icy nerves. After a crucial block touch call by Nagisa Komatsuda and a miscue from the HD Spikers that tied the set at 24, the drama escalated.

Though outblocked 1-12, Kobe Shinwa outgunned the HD Spikers, 72-43, proving that its relentless pace and tactical adjustments – such as varying their attack angles and shot selection in Set 4 – were key to regaining control.

Komatsuda reflected on the team’s in-game adjustments, especially against Cignal’s blocking wall in Set 3:

“We adjusted our attacks based on Cignal’s blocking. Sometimes we went for hard spikes, other times we used drop shots,” she said through a translator, adding that they also had to focus more on serve reception, knowing that local teams are known for their strong service game.

Despite the gallant stand, the loss dropped Cignal to 1-4, all but ending their campaign. Roselyn Doria Aquino starred with 16 points, including five blocks, while Santos added 11. Vanie Gandler, Acuna, and Heather Guino-o provided additional support, combining for 25 points.

But in the end, it was the Japanese unwavering poise, depth, and mental toughness beyond their years that made the difference – a performance that not only saved them from a potential fifth set but reinforced their reputation as a team capable of rising when the pressure peaks.

Cignal finally snapped out of a deep slumber in Set 3, stringing together a fiery mid-set run to avoid a straight-sets defeat and shift the momentum of the match. After struggling to find their rhythm early on, the HD Spikers began clicking as a cohesive unit, capitalizing on a noticeable dip in Kobe Shinwa’s energy following two blistering sets.

From a narrow 12-14 deficit, Cignal unleashed a decisive 9-1 surge to seize a commanding 21-15 lead, taking full advantage of the Japanese side’s unforced errors and scattered floor coverage. Although Kobe Shinwa briefly responded with a three-point spurt, a costly service error from Miyazaki handed the HD Spikers set point. Guino-o momentarily kept the set alive with a miscue, but she quickly made amends with a gutsy off-the-block hit that secured the frame and extended the match.

Buoyed by that breakthrough, the HD Spikers came out swinging in Set 4, asserting themselves at the net with renewed vigor. Their defense tightened while their attacks, led by Doria and Acuna, turned more lethal. Doria in particular was unstoppable on quick plays, and the tandem repeatedly stymied Kobe Shinwa’s once-fluid offense with well-timed blocks.

As the Japanese struggled to regain their rhythm, Cignal widened the gap to 16-13. The HD Spikers looked firmly in control.

But Kobe Shinwa, known for its resilience, refused to fold. Trading drop balls and carefully placed hits, the Japanese clawed their way back, inching within one at 19-20 – setting the stage for a tense finish defined by composure, clutch plays, and nerves of steel.