Kobe Shinwa overpowers depleted Foton

Japanese guest team Kobe Shinwa Women’s University’s firepower proved to be too much for the Foton Tornadoes, as the former squashed the latter in four sets, 25-15, 22-25, 25-18, 25-12, in the Invitational Cup’s Final Round at the FilOil Flying V Centre in San Juan City.

Aside from the second set that they forced to sit their starting six, Kobe Shinwa were dominant throughout the match with their fast-paced style of play and masterful defense.

The young Japanese squad produced 10 service aces to Foton’s three, while out-attacking the locals, 58-39.

“This was our first game in this type of setting so I didn’t know how we would play,” said Kobe head coach Kiyokazu Yamamoto. “In the first set, I thought we played our play style successfully. In the second set, I thought we became nervous [in the second set] but I am happy we were able to play through that today.”

Kana Edamatsu and Mariko Fujiwara led the Japanese with 14 points apiece, while skipper Chihiro Fujiwara added 13.

Kobe Shinwa next take on the Cignal HD Spikers, who earlier today had won their first Finals outing, tomorrow at the FilOil Flying V Centre.

Three-time NCAA MVP Grethcel Soltones was the lone bright spot for Foton with her 14 points off 62 attack attempts.

Foton face the Petron Blaze Spikers tomorrow in a rematch of the last PSL Grand Prix Finals.

The Scores

Kobe Shinwa (3) – Edamatsu 14, Fujiwara M. 14, Fujiwara C. 13, Kawabata 10, Michishita 5, Kato 4, Miyatake 4, Matsushima 3, Moriwaki 1, Okada 1, Harima 0, Fukui (L)

Foton (1) – Soltones 14, Berte 8, Ortiz 7, Yongco 4, Perez 3, Villegas 3, Barrinuevo 2, De Leon 2, Sindayen 1, Reyes (L)