Creamline’s Michele Gumabao had high praise for Kurashiki’s playmaker and reigning Finals MVP, Kyoka Oshima, following her standout performance in their rematch at the 2024 Premier Volleyball League Invitational Conference.
The veteran opposite spiker noted that the Ablaze’s offensive system had become more organized and significantly more powerful compared to their previous encounter in last year’s finals, where the Cool Smashers fell in five sets.
“Grabe yung bato rin talaga ng setter nila, she’s the same setter (from last year). I think with their import also, mas nadagdagan sila ng height and ng speed this year,” said Gumabao after Creamline’s 25-22, 25-22, 26-28, 25-21 win over Kurashiki on Sunday night.
Oshima was a driving force in the Ablaze’s comeback attempt against the Cool Smashers. She dished out 22 excellent sets to orchestrate a balanced attack for her team in the four-set match that lasted nearly two hours.
Seven players from Kurashiki scored at least five points, with Saya Taniguchi and Saki Tanabe leading the way with 14 and 13 points, respectively.
Mami Gondo added 11 points, while Yukino Yano chipped in nine. Honoka Doi contributed an additional eight markers.
Cing Low Mei and Oshima had seven and five points, respectively.
(c) PVL Images
“Pareho yung defense pero mas iba yung atake nila ngayon. Parang mas organized yung attack nila, mas mabilis,” Gumabao observed, reflecting on the changes in Kurashiki’s play compared to last year.
Despite the improved competition, the Cool Smashers secured the win, with Gumabao leading the charge. The 32-year-old spiker was named Player of the Game after an impressive 19-point performance.
Gumabao credited the team’s success to the in-game adjustments made by head coach Sherwin Meneses and his staff.
“Siguro mas prepared pero pare-pareho naman talaga ‘yung preparations. In-game adjustments na lang din talaga,” said Gumabao.
“Mas nakikinig talaga kami sa mga sinasabi ng coaches namin during the game kasi magaling talaga sila mag-adjust at ang bilis lang din nila maglaro at magbago ng play nila,” she added.
Next on Creamline’s agenda is a clash with the fellow unbeaten squad, Cignal, less than 24 hours after their victory over the reigning Invitational champions.
Gumabao emphasized the importance of recovery and mental preparation ahead of their next match against the red-hot HD Spikers.
“Proper rest. ‘Pag wala kaming game and wala kaming training, kailangan disiplinado talaga kami on how we recover and kung paano kami mag-prepare mentally. Since wala namang practice, nakakalaban naman namin sila lagi,” said Gumabao.
“Pagalingan na lang talaga ng recovery for tomorrow and how we’re going to play our game. Magfo-focus na lang talaga muna kami sa sarili namin for tomorrow.”
