Kurashiki Ablaze seek PVL Invitational encore

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 tops on 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 sixteam semifinals of the PVL Invitational Conference.

And the Kurashiki Ablaze went on to complete a highlysurprising 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 presi- dent 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.