By Abby Toralba
KURASHIKI of Japan battles PLDT, one of two teams that can derail its bid to bag the second finals berth, in the Premier Volleyball League Invitational Conference today at the Philsports Arena in Pasig.
The Ablaze seek their fourth triumph when they face the High Speed Hitters at 4 p.m., favored to secure the other finals berth in the one-game title showdown against the Creamline Cool Smashers on Sunday.
PLDT, coming off back-to-back straight set victories over F2 Logistics and Kinh Bac-Bac Ninh of Vietnam for a 2-2 card, is out to stall the Japanese and keep its flickering hopes alive.
Even if they beat the Japanese, the High Speed Hitters will only clinch the other finals slot if the Ablaze lose to the Cool Smashers at the close of semis action tomorrow, Friday.
“Like F2 Logistics, PLDT is a tall team. But we will do our best, particularly in receiving,” Kurashiki coach Hideo Suzuki said his charges beat the Cargo Movers 25-20, 25-22, 25-20 last Tuesday for a 3-0 slate.
Creamline secured the first finals seat with a 25-23, 25-23, 25-17 win over Kinh Bac-Back Ninh, which remained winless in three games.
