Kyoka Ohshima, the playmaker of Kurashiki, introduced herself to the Philippine volleyball community with a remarkable performance in the 2023 Premier Volleyball League (PVL) Invitational Conference semifinals.
Ohshima's outstanding play led her team, Ablaze, to a straight sets victory over the formidable Cignal HD Spikers, solidifying her position as a rising star in the sport.
Despite battling illness during their previous encounter with Kinh B?c-B?c Ninh, the Japanese prodigy did not hold back in her first PVL appearance.
With 22 excellent sets to her credit, Ohshima expertly guided her team to a resounding 25-23, 25-16, 25-23 triumph over the HD Spikers in a thrilling match on Monday night.
"Her condition was not very good, so she rested during the first game. This game is important, so you want Kyoka to play," shared Kurashiki head coach Hideo Suzuki through an interpreter, emphasizing the significance of Ohshima's role in the team.
Speaking about the intense competition on the court, Ohshima praised the HD Spikers' defensive prowess, particularly their exceptional blocking and spiking skills.
"I feel like Cignal is strong. They have tall players, and their blocking is high, so they thought about how to avoid the blocks. In this game, their spikes and attacks were impressive," she acknowledged, recognizing the tenacity of their opponents.
Beyond her own performance, Ohshima was captivated by the passion and enthusiasm of Philippine volleyball fans. The atmosphere at the Philsports Arena left a lasting impression on her, as she expressed her surprise at the overwhelming number of fans who turned out to watch the games.
"When we first saw the venue, there were so many fans. Lots of cheers. We were surprised. But I feel like the games in the Philippines are super enjoyable. Philippine volleyball is great," Ohshima gushed, showcasing her admiration for the vibrant volleyball culture in the country.
With the upcoming challenge against the F2 Logistics team, known for its ardent fan base, Ohshima remains undaunted and confident in her team's ability to match their energy on the court. Determined to leave a mark in the hearts of Filipino fans, she promised an exciting showcase of their volleyball prowess.
"Every time they score points, it's like they're shouting. Their style... we also have something to say after every point, so we shout too. Tomorrow, our voices will be even louder, even if there are F2 fans. We will show our volleyball," she declared, exuding a sense of excitement for the battles yet to come.
