By Abby Toralba
CIGNAL takes on the visiting Kurashiki squad of Japan today in a crucial match that will test the local side’s determination and fortitude in the semifinals of the Premier Volleyball League at the Philsports Arena in Pasig.
After struggling early, the Japanese side posted a 23-25, 25-14, 25-20, 25-11 win over Vietnam’s Kinh Bac-Bac Ninh in the guest teams’ league debut last Friday, with the Japanese guaranteeing a more explosive outing when they face the HD Spikers in the 4 p.m. opener.
“We’re thankful for the invitation (to play) and, step by step, we will level up,” Kurashiki coach Hideo Suzuki said through an interpreter.
PLDT takes on the Vietnamese in the other game at 6:30.
Tamaru Asaka led the Japanese attack against the Vietnamese, scoring 28 points on attacks, giving the HD Spikers something to work on as they try to recover from a tough five-set defeat to the Creamline Cool Smashers the last time out.
Creamline posted a 23-25, 25-16, 25-21, 24-25, 15-10 escape to pull ahead by two games over Kurashiki at 3-0, with the defending champions taking a brief rest before stepping up their finals drive against the Vietnamese tomorrow, Tuesday.
Like Cignal, PLDT is also hard-pressed to win, with coach Rald Ricafort saying his wards need to come up with more energy against the Vietnamese side.
“Medyo pagod na ang mga players. We are hoping they come up with more energy,” he said.
The High Speed Hitters are in high spirits, except for outside hitter Mean Mendrez who is nursing a minor knee injury.
“Ang core naming, okay naman. Si Mean is nursing her knee, pero on-off talaga.
“The semis is more on the mental side so we are readying the players, their mindset, para tiyagain ang game,” he said.
