Connect with us

Hi, what are you looking for?

Tiebreaker Times

News

PVL: Kurashiki deals Creamline first loss ahead of final


Kurashiki handed Creamline its first loss, 25-20, 25-21, 18-25, 25-14, to gain a much-needed mental edge ahead of their grand final clash on Sunday in the 2023 Premier Volleyball League Invitational Conference, Friday at the Philsports Arena in Pasig.

The Ablaze proved that their 4-0 start in the semifinals was no fluke, bringing down the defending champions by using a 10-to-nothing blast in the fourth set that ultimately handed the Cool Smashers their first defeat after eight consecutive games of dominance.

Asaka Tamaru, Kurashiki’s ever-consistent hitter, was again at the forefront of the team’s attack with a game-high 19 points and 11 excellent digs for the 5-0 Ablaze.

Saki Tanabe provided the much-needed firepower and finished with 15 points, while Yukino Yano flaunted her all-around game with 13 points, 13 excellent receptions, and 12 excellent digs in the contest.

“We are very happy that we won again, especially because our opponent was the defending champion. But we still have the finals ahead, so we’ll move on to the next challenge,” said Kurashiki head coach Hideo Suzuki through an interpreter.

“We really enjoyed the game, even though there were many cheering for Creamline. I truly feel that Filipinos love volleyball. That’s the strong impression I have,” he added.

After missing the chance to close out the Rebisco-backed squad in the third frame, the Ablaze went on a fiery 10-0 blast late in the fourth set highlighted by three powerful attacks from Tanabe which transformed an 11-12 disadvantage to a wide 21-12 gap.

Kurashiki never looked back from there and left the Cool Smashers in flames en route to their fifth consecutive victory in the semifinals.

#ReadMore  PBA 3x3 players rostered in MPBL Invitationals to be looked into

Jema Galanza paced Creamline with 12 points and 11 excellent receptions while Tots Carlos and Alyssa Valdez added 10 points apiece in the loss. Valdez, whose left knee was being iced during the third, did not play in the fourth set.

The Cool Smashers capped off the round-robin semis with a 4-1 win-loss record.

Written By


You May Also Like

News

ILOILO – Choco Mucho remained in contention for the top seed after sweeping Chery Tiggo, 25-16, 25-19, 25-23, to end the elimination round of...

News

ILOILO – Dani Ravena paid tribute to Nxled following the Chameleons’ four-set victory over Farm Fresh to end their Premier Volleyball League Second All-Filipino...

News

ILOILO – Nxled finished its maiden campaign on a high note, taking down Farm Fresh in four sets, 25-17, 17-25, 25-20, 25-17, in the...

News

PLDT snapped its three-game skid, sweeping F2 Logistics 25-21, 27-25, 25-23 to stay in quarterfinals contention in the Premier Volleyball League Second All-Filipino Conference...

News

Creamline had to work doubly hard to secure its tenth consecutive win after facing a tough challenge from Akari in the Premier Volleyball League...

News

Creamline is now one win away from sweeping the elimination round after defeating Akari in four sets, 26-28, 25-14, 25-23, 25-22, in the Premier...

News

Tired of losing, Roma Joy Doromal stepped up to the challenge on Thursday to lead Galeries Tower to its first franchise victory in the...

News

Galeries Towers finally broke through, overcoming a 0-2 deficit against the struggling Gerflor, securing an 18-25, 24-26, 25-23, 25-18, 15-11 victory for its first...

Advertisement