Kurashiki secured a spot in the 2023 Premier Volleyball League Invitational Conference Final against Creamline after narrowly escaping PLDT in the semifinals with a 25-15, 23-25, 25-14, 25-23 victory on Thursday afternoon at the Philsports Arena in Pasig.
The Ablaze maintained an unbeaten record in four matches leading up to their finals preview against the Cool Smashers, while the High Speed Hitters were eliminated from title contention with a 2-3 slate in the semifinals.
Asaka Tamaru was the standout performer, achieving a PVL career-high of 30 points with 28 attacks and two blocks. She received ample support from Saki Tanabe and Akane Hiraoka, who contributed 15 and 11 points, respectively.
“PLDT is a strong team, so I was worried that we might lose. But I’m glad we won. Tomorrow, against Creamline, we’ll do our best,” said Kurashiki head coach Hideo Suzuki through an interpreter.
Kurashiki capitalized on the momentum from the third set to take a late eight-point lead, 19-11, in the fourth set, fueled by a 10-3 run led by the offensive prowess of Tamaru and Hiraoka, who combined for five crucial points in the run.
However, the High Speed Hitters showed resilience and fought back with an 11-4 run, with Mich Morente’s back-to-back hits and three attacks from Royse Tubino, reducing the deficit to just one point, 22-23.
In the end, Kurashiki’s floor defense and crucial offensive plays sealed the victory, closing the match with a crosscourt hit from Tanabe Saki and a down-the-line attack from Hiraoka, ending with a score of 25-23.
After losing the first set, the High Speed Hitters handed the Ablaze their second set loss of the conference, with Fiola Ceballos leading a late 4-1 PLDT run to secure a 25-23 win in the second set.
Kurashiki responded strongly, launching a six-point run, highlighted by Tamaru’s powerful off-the-block and crosscourt attacks, to take a 16-18 lead. The Ablaze continued their dominance and secured a 25-14 victory in the third set.
Tubino led PLDT with 23 points from 21 attacks, while Kath Arado showcased her defensive skills with 35 digs and 16 receptions.
Despite their semifinal defeat, the High Speed Hitters still have a chance to compete for a spot in the battle for bronze on Sunday, with Cignal and F2 Logistics holding identical 1-3 records prior to their matches against Kinh Bac-Bac Ninh, while the Vietnam guest team is still winless after three games. (Ernest Martin Tuazon)
