After clinching bronze in their second visit to the Premier Volleyball League, Kurashiki acknowledged the remarkable improvement of Filipino club teams over the past year.
The Ablaze secured third place in the 2024 edition by defeating the Thai guest team Est Cola in a commanding performance, 25-22, 26-24, 25-20, on Thursday evening at the SMART Araneta Coliseum.
Despite their triumph, the Japan V.League Division 3 champions faced challenges throughout the conference.
They finished the preliminary round with a 2-2 record, securing victories against Farm Fresh and Est Cola.
However, they feel short against Creamline and Cignal, who are now set to compete for the championship.
Kurashiki head coach Hideo Suzuki, speaking through a translator, expressed his surprise at the level of competition this year.
“I was shocked because the Filipino teams really leveled up this time, and they also have a lot of fans that may have affected our performance in some ways,” Suzuki remarked.
(C) PVL Images
Saki Tanabe, who led the Ablaze with 13 points and seven digs against Est Cola, echoed her coach’s sentiments.
She highlighted the significant tactical changes she observed in the PVL local squads they faced.
“Comparing our experience in the PVL this year to last year, the Filipino teams now use a lot more combination plays. It’s like they are playing with a Japanese style, which made it difficult for us,” Tanabe noted.
The adaptation of Japanese-style play is evident, particularly with Farm Fresh, now guided by former Ablaze assistant coach Shota Sato.
The HD Spikers and the Cool Smashers have also consistently demonstrated their strong systems, earning them a place among the title favorites in every conference.
Having competed in the PVL for the second consecutive year, Kurashiki expressed their eagerness to return if given another opportunity.
In addition to their volleyball endeavors, the Ablaze engaged in activities to support underprivileged children in various parts of Metro Manila, including Smokey Mountain, during their stay.
“If there’s another chance next year to be invited here in the PVL, for sure we would want to join again,” Suzuki said.
