This season’s guest team in the Invitational Cup, Kobe Shinwa Women’s University, has shown the signature speed and skill of a Japanese team en route to a perfect 2-0 record in the Final Round of the tournament.
The young squad who has an average age of 20.4 years old, however, has not exactly steamrolled the competition. While the difference in level of play is still apparent, Kobe Shinwa head coach Kiyokazu Yamamoto expressed his delight at seeing the Filipino’s passion for the game and offensive prowess.
Last Thursday, when Kobe Shinwa defeated Foton, Yamamoto took note of the powerful spikes from three-time NCAA MVP Grethcel Soltones and veteran Maika Ortiz.
Friday evening, Yamamoto complimented the skill and power of Cignal’s Rachel Ann Daquis, Jovelyn Gonzaga, and Royse Tubino.
“Comparing to Japanese opponents, I think the wing spikers, 13 [Daquis] and 15 [Tubino], and the opposite [Gonzaga], these players’ skill is pretty much high,” said Yamamoto through a translator.
Kobe Shinwa, who is in a buildup for the Kansai University Women’s Volleyball Federation Spring tournament on April, values the experience they gained playing against the topflight teams of the PSL.
“We’re going to play in a tournament in April. Playing against these Filipino players who are very good in offense is going to be a good experience for us to take back,” Yamamoto added.
They can end their trip undefeated with a win against the Petron Blaze Spkiers on Saturday.
“It is important for us to win as much as we can so we’re going to do our best ,” closed Yamamoto.
