The 2023 Premier Volleyball League Invitational Conference witnessed an unforgettable clash as Kurashiki's volleyball squad, The Ablaze, made their debut appearance on Philippine soil.
What awaited them was a mesmerizing encounter with the boisterous Filipino crowd, which left the Japanese team awestruck and invigorated.
The atmosphere at the Philsports Arena in Pasig was electric as the two foreign teams, Kurashiki and Kinh Bac, entered the battleground to face off against each other. Welcomed by a sea of 6,430 passionate volleyball enthusiasts.T
he Filipino fans had come to witness not only the thrilling showdown between Kurashiki and Kinh Bac but also cheer for the local teams, Creamline and Cignal, who were also vying for glory.
Hideo Suzuki, the head coach of Kurashiki, could not contain his admiration for the fervent support from the Filipino crowd.
"It was a wonderful experience for us because there were many fans, and we felt their cheers. We realized that Filipinos love volleyball," said Suzuki through an interpreter, expressing the team's gratitude for the warm reception.
Despite having no prior scouting information for Kinh Bac, the Japanese squad started slow, facing a setback as they narrowly lost the first set 25-23. However, The Ablaze did not falter. They quickly regrouped and adapted their strategy for the second set, turning the tide in their favor and displaying their true potential.
The highlight of the match was Asaka Tamaru's dazzling performance for Kurashiki, as she showcased her remarkable skills with an impressive 29 points, primarily built on 28 powerful attacks. Captain Yukino Yano also played a pivotal role, contributing 17 points to the team's victory. Furthermore, libero Kaoru Takahashi's spectacular defensive play was instrumental, securing 31 out of 49 digs and delivering eight excellent receptions. Their collective efforts ensured that Kurashiki did not concede a single service ace to their opponents.
"When we arrived at the venue and saw the audience, there were so many, and their cheers were loud. We felt that we would enjoy playing here. Thank you," expressed a grateful Tamaru, acknowledging the incredible support that fueled their performance.
The victory over Kinh Bac has set the stage for Kurashiki's upcoming match against Cignal on Monday at 4 p.m., scheduled to take place at the same awe-inspiring venue. As they prepare to face the four Filipino squads to conclude their semifinals schedule, Suzuki and his team are eager to experience the exhilarating energy of the roaring crowd once again.
