THE Premier Volleyball League Invitational Conference semifinals suffered a snag after Kobe Shinwa Women’s University pulled out at the last minute because of Covid-19 concerns in Japan.
The school made the call to cancel their participation in the stretch of the mid-season conference of the league after one of its student-athletes yielded a positive RT-PCR result moments before the team’s scheduled flight to the country.
The rest of Kobe Shinwa squad were close contacts.
“The Kobe Shinwa Women’s University told us that they won’t be able to fly to the country last night because one of their players tested positive and the rest of the team were close contacts,” Sports Vision president Ricky Palou said.
But Kobe Shinwa’s pullout proved to be the women’s national team’s gain as it made itself available for the tough grind starting Monday to boost its buildup for the Asian Volleyball Confederation Cup for Women.
Taipei KingWhale arrived on Saturday morning in time for its debut against Cignal at 2:30 p.m. on Sunday to be followed by the national team-Creamline tussle at 5:30 p.m. at the MOA Arena.
“The PNVF has agreed to field in the national squad, replacing the Japanese team, saying it would benefit the national team,” said Palou.
The Philippines will be slugging it out with China, Iran, South Korea, and Vietnam in the continental meet slated August 21 to 29 at the PhilSports Arena in Pasig City.