Its first and only loss in the Premier Volleyball League Invitational Conference notwithstanding, Creamline feels good and confident about its title-retention chances but more so is the charged-up Kurashiki of Japan, which sets out for a record mark of sorts in Sunday’s one-game final at the Philsports Arena in Pasig.
Gametime is at 6:30 p.m. with the match tipped to go the distance given the strength, class and styles of the two teams which emerged head and shoulders above the competition after the tight, exhausting one-month battle marked by lengthy skirmishes.
“We really want to win on Sunday. Now that we knew how Creamline plays, it will be a question of desire and heart,” said Kurashiki coach Hideo Suzuki after his wards dealt the defending champions their first setback after a run of seven victories from the elims with a 25-20, 25-21, 18-25, 25-14 victory to sweep the six-team semis phase last Friday.
But the match was non-bearing and Creamline coach Sherwin Meneses opted for new combinations majority of the way in an effort to keep some of his starters fresh and energized for the all-important match expected to draw in a full-packed crowd.
“We were so happy that we were able to beat the Cool Smashers since they are the defending champions. But the final is a bigger challenge for us,” added Suzuki through an interpreter.
Truly, expect the crowd favorites to level up in the match that matters most. With its vast championship experience, with six titles to boot since 2017, and a stellar roster made up of heavy-hitters Tots Carlos, Jema Galanza and Alyssa Valdez, top middle Ced Domingo and ace playmaker Jia de Guzman, the All-Filipino Conference champions can’t wait to get back at their lone tormentors and keep the crown they won against the KingWhale Taipei side last year.
A victory – and another championship – will also keep Creamline on track of another crack at a grand slam in the league organized by Sports Vision and backed by BingoPlus, ArenaPlus, Mikasa, SMART, Rebisco, Kumu, Asics and SportRadar.
"Sobrang excited ako kasi, yes syempre kalaban yung Japanese team, syempre Japanese din ako," said Creamline's Fil-Japanese blocker Risa Sato. "Sobrang happy kasi itong time lang pwede namin makalaban yung Japan? Kasi last year Taiwan di ba?
"Kailangan champion kami. Yun lang ang mindset ko – champion," added Sato, who finished with 10 points in a four-set stint last Friday.
But while the Kurashiki Ablaze do expect the partisan crowd to get involved in the game, the mere fact that they’re playing before a huge number of fans is more than enough to inspire and motivate the Japanese.
“We’re super enjoy with the fans even if they cheer for Creamline,” added Suzuki, who will be pinning his hopes again on his crack band of players led by Asaka Tamaru, Saki Tanabe, Yukino Yanao and Akane Hiraoka, setter Kyoka Ohshima, and defense specialist Kaoru Takahashi.
“We knew how strong Creamline’s offense is, so I’ll concentrate on receive,” said Takahashi, who anchored the team’s defense with 16 excellent digs and five receptions.
“We actually don’t understand the (fans’) cheers. But we are still playing inspired by their roars,” added Takahashi.
“It will be tough in the finals but we don’t want to blow this chance,” added Takahashi.
Ranged against the best team in the fold, top-hitter Asaka said she struggled against the Cool Smashers’ blocking but vowed to double her effort in the final match.
“I felt Creamline exposed some weak points in our game but I’ll do my best in the final,” said Asaka, who finished with 19 kills while also flourishing in defense with 11 excellent receptions.
Bench support will also be key, particularly if the match goes to another five-set finish, with Suzuki to rely on Sayaka Tanida, Miho Kawamura and Ayane Watanabe, and Meneses likely to count on the ever-reliable Michele Gumabao, Pangs Panaga, Rose Vargas and Bernadette Pons.
Games are aired on PVL.ph, One Sports, and One Sports+ with live streaming on Smart Livestream, Cignal Play and Pilipinas Live.
