Kurashiki emerged victorious in its on-court reunion with Asaka Tamaru, dominating Farm Fresh in straight sets, 25-13, 25-16, 25-16, for their second win in the 2024 Premier Volleyball League Invitational Conference on Thursday at the Philsports Arena.
The Ablaze spoiled Tamaru’s debut with Farm Fresh. Tamaru had been instrumental in the Japan-based club’s championship in the 2023 Invitational Conference. Kurashiki’s win propelled them to an early lead in the five-team tournament with a 2-0 record.
“I heard that Tamaru joined Farm Fresh suddenly, so I think they didn’t have much time to prepare. But it’s okay because Farm Fresh’s game is gradually improving. As for Shota Sato, I just need to level him up,” said Kurashiki head coach Hideo Suzuki.
“It was a good performance for the team; we finally played the Ablaze way of volleyball,” Suzuki added.
(C) PVL Images
Cing Low Mei once again led the Ablaze, who extended their winning streak to eight games dating back to the previous edition of the tournament.
Mei contributed 12 points, including seven attacks and four blocks.
Team captain Saya Taniguchi added 10 points and six excellent digs in the swift, one-hour and five-minute match, while Ayano Tsuji chipped in with eight markers.
“In the first set, my performance was good. The set was a bit off, but I still managed to hit hard,” said Taniguchi.
Kyoka Oshima provided 13 excellent sets in Kurashiki’s victory. The Ablaze dominated across all categories, finishing with 40 attacks, seven blocks, and six aces, while Farm Fresh only recorded 27 attacks, four blocks, and one ace.
Kurashiki will have a one-day break before facing reigning All-Filipino and Reinforced Conference champion Creamline on Sunday at 6:00 p.m. at the SM Mall of Asia Arena.
(C) PVL Images
Meanwhile, Farm Fresh is tied with Est Cola at the bottom of the standings with identical 0-1 records.
Reinforced Conference Best Opposite Spiker Trisha Tubu led the Foxies with nine points off the bench, while Tamaru added eight points in her first game for Farm Fresh.
The Foxies will aim to bounce back against Invitational bronze medalist Cignal on Friday at 4:00 p.m. at the Santa Rosa Sports Complex.
