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.
Hard-hitting Asaka Tamaru could be on 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.
The team, which campaigns in the third division of the V.League back home, showed it is competent enough to produce 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 had to find ways to stop them.”
They failed, just like the four other squads in the six-team semifinals of the PVL Invitational Conference.
Kurashiki 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,” Suzuki said 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 nating kailangan matutunan, kailangan i-adjust. Siyempre, 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.
The Japanese’s cool, calm and collected stance is one thing worth emulating. Dragged into a nerve-wracking five-setter in the finale, they never backed down and showed grace under pressure that saw them fight back from 12-13 down and snatch the decider, the match and the championship on a three-hit closing roll.
