Kurashiki middle blocker Akane Hiraoka bared her emotions and the team's experience while facing the F2 Logistics crowd inside the Philsports Arena.
Despite securing a decisive straight sets win, the Japanese team couldn't help but feel unnerved by the electrifying atmosphere created by the passionate Filipino fans.
With the 10,000-seater Pasig arena housing only 3,435 spectators during the match, it might not have been the largest crowd the players had ever encountered. However, for Hiraoka and her teammates from the Division III squad in Japan, the magnitude of the audience was a new and exciting experience.
"When we have matches in Japan, the audience is not as large as this. It's just a few, so I'm feeling a bit nervous [now]," shared the 23-year-old Akane. Playing in front of such a passionate and spirited crowd presented a unique challenge for the team, one that they had not encountered before in their home country.
Despite the initial unease, Hiraoka and her teammates did not let the cheering crowd deter them from their goal. Determined to put on a stellar performance, they focused on the game at hand and blocked off the distractions.
The match against F2 Logistics showcased a display of remarkable skills and tenacity from Kurashiki. In the third set, the fervent cheers from the F2 fans grew louder, putting additional pressure on the visiting team.
"In the last set, the fans of F2 were cheering loudly, so my heart felt a bit weak. But you know, towards the end, our courage grew stronger, and that's how we won," revealed Hiraoka.
Despite the overwhelming support for the opposing team, the Ablaze's resilience shone through, and they delivered a stunning performance, sweeping the Cargo Movers with a remarkable scoreline of 25-20, 25-22, 25-20.
Hiraoka, playing a pivotal role in the team's victory, tallied nine points on six attacks, two service aces, and a block, guiding Kurashiki towards the top of the standings with an impressive 3-0 record, just behind the finals-bound Creamline.
Reflecting on her own performance, Hiraoka acknowledged her height disadvantage and shared her strategic approach, "I lack height, so I thought about how to avoid the block. In this game, I was able to avoid the blockers well."
The invigorating clash with F2 Logistics not only tested the skills of the Kurashiki players but also provided them with an invaluable experience of playing in front of a passionate international audience.
For Hiraoka and her teammates, the match will forever remain etched in their memories as a testament to their determination and ability to thrive under pressure.
As they continue their journey in the 2023 Premier Volleyball League Invitational Conference, they carry with them the valuable lessons learned from the F2 Logistics showdown.
