Local fans didn’t know any of the players when Kurashiki arrived for its maiden Premier Volleyball League stint. They probably all recognize most of the Japanese now.
Certainly, hard-hitting Asaka Tamaru is at the top of the list with playmaker Kyoka Ohshima next, or Akane Hiraoka, Yukino Yano, Miho Kawamura, Saki Tanabe, Saya Taniguchi or Sayaka Tanida or libero Kaoru Takahashi.
Whatever their rankings are, this band, which campaigns in the third division of the V.League back home, showed its brand of play is skilled and competent enough to producing positive results.
Creamline’s top hitter Tots Carlos put it all in context when she said: “They’re organized, very good, kahit ano pang division galing yan. Masipag, matiyaga and we knew we have to find ways to stop them.”
They failed, just like the four other squads in the six-team semifinals of the PVL Invitational Conference.
And the Kurashiki Ablaze went on to complete a highly-surprising six-game sweep of the championship, capping it with a classic 19-25, 25-23, 25-19, 20-25, 15-13 decision over Creamline in a one-game final that could’ve gone either way before a jampacked crowd at the Philsports Arena in Pasig late Sunday.
Coach Hideo Suzuki profusely thanked league president Ricky Palou for inviting the team to compete in the mid-season conference of the league organized by Sports Vision, the club team’s first overseas campaign, saying: “We’re very happy and appreciative of Mr. Ricky’s invitation.”
“If Mr. Ricky will invite us again next year, 100 percent sure, we’ll come back,” said Suzuki through an interpreter.
That should be something to look forward to as the Ablaze endeared themselves to both the local players and fans for their system, class and character – and for sharing whatever they have in their resources.
“It’s always nice to learn from different countries, their system,” said Creamline skipper Alyssa Valdez, a veteran internationalist. “Ang dami pa natin kailangan matutunan, kailangan i-adjust. Siempre, as Filipinos we all have our own strengths and weaknesses, so it’s just nice to have this opportunities. Later on, we’ll benefit from this, and hopefully, mas madami pang dumating dito para mas tumaas pa lalo ang quality ng volleyball dito sa atin.”
“And more exciting games for all of us,” she added.
For her part, Kyoka thanked the fans who supported them, adding: “We enjoyed it, we played under pressure with so many fans cheering for Creamline. But we played as a team and it’s a good win.”
She also cited counterpart Jia de Guzman’s stellar game and the Filipinos’ strong play.
“She’s good, her plays are so hard to read and I learned a lot from her,” said Kyoka.
“Filipino players are strong and we wish to be able to play again before a big audience,” she added.
If and ever the league would extend its invitation to Kurashiki again, expect the local fans to easily identify Asaka and Kyoka, along with the rest of this talented bunch of top-notch players.
