The excitement in the 2023 Premier Volleyball League (PVL) Invitational Conference reaches its peak as the much-anticipated showdown between the undefeated teams, Creamline and Japanese guest team Kurashiki, is slated today at the Philsports Arena.
Beyond being a semifinal clash, this match promises to offer a glimpse of the potential gold medal encounter, making it a spectacle not to be missed.
In a thrilling match at the Philsports Arena on Thursday, Ablaze showcased their prowess by prevailing over PLDT with a hard-fought victory of 25-15, 23-25, 25-14, 25-23. The triumph elevated their unbeaten record to 4-0, securing their place in the one-game final scheduled for Sunday.
The Cool Smashers, on the other hand, had already secured their spot in the final earlier in the week, following a commanding win against Kinh Bac-Bac Ninh from Vietnam. Their consistent and dominant performance throughout the tournament has established them as formidable contenders.
While Creamline is renowned for their formidable offense, Kurashiki's head coach, Hideo Suzuki, emphasized their team's emphasis on a solid defensive strategy.
"I know Creamline is really strong, and their offense is impressive, but our style is defense-first. So, if no balls drop, we won't lose. We'll really focus on defense," Kurashiki head coach Hideo Suzuki conveyed through an interpreter.
Looking ahead to the crucial encounter, Ablaze star Asaka Tamaru revealed that the team has been feeling the effects of the compact schedule. Having played four matches in just six days, they face the daunting prospect of six games in nine days before the final against Creamline. Despite the fatigue, Tamaru remains optimistic and views the tournament as a valuable learning experience.
"We don't have much experience with consecutive games like this, so we're a bit tired and our concentration is somewhat disrupted. However, this tournament is still a good experience for us. Creamline hasn't been defeated yet, so we'll continue to concentrate for tomorrow's match," Tamaru expressed through an interpreter.
Kurashiki's journey in the PVL Invitational Conference has been nothing short of captivating, and Suzuki couldn't be more appreciative of the overwhelming support they have received from Filipino volleyball enthusiasts since their arrival. While Creamline boasts a large fanbase, Suzuki hopes that his team will also find a warm reception from the crowd, despite being the guest team.
"Creamline has a lot of fans, so I feel like we will really enjoy the game tomorrow. I hope that even though we are the guest team, many will still cheer for us," said Suzuki with gratitude.
As the highly-anticipated clash between two undefeated teams looms on the horizon, volleyball enthusiasts are eager to witness a battle of skill, strategy, and passion on the court. The match will undoubtedly be a showcase of talent, perseverance, and sportsmanship, leaving fans at the edge of their seats as they witness history unfold.
With the title of PVL Invitational Conference champion hanging in the balance, both Creamline and Kurashiki are set to deliver a spectacle that will be etched in the memories of volleyball enthusiasts for years to come.
