KOBE Shinwa University imposed its might on Dindin Manabat-less Foton, 25-15, 22-25, 25-18, 25-12, in the final round of the Belo-Philippine Super Liga Invitational Conference at The Arena in San Juan on Thursday.
Mariko Fujiwara and Kana Edamatsu finished with 14 points apiece for the Japanese guest team, while skipper Chihiro Fujiwara added 13 and Hana Kabawata chipped in 10.
The collegiate team from Japan is now tied with Cignal 1-0 and will face the HD Spikers on Friday.
“Since this is our first game, we didn't know how will it go. In the first set, we could do our own play style but we were so nervous. In the second set, we were a little bit nervous,” said Kobe Shinwa University coach Kiyokazu Yamamoto.
Kobe Shinwa University scored more on attacks (58-39) and capitalized on its victim’s poor reception (10-3 service aces).
The Japanese team displayed quick plays, smooth defensive patterns and danced for every won point.
“Since this is our first time to play in this kind of venue, we were wondering how game goes but we could play our own style - Kobe Shinwa style,” said Fujiwara.
Grethcel Soltones carried Foton with her 14 points, all form spikes.
Manabat was on the sidelines wearing a leg immobilizer to support her left knee after suffering a grade-2 MCL strain and a partial ACL tear.