The HD Spikers fall to 1-3.
Kurashiki Ablaze notched its second straight win in the PVL Invitational Conference, defeating the Cignal HD Spikers in straight sets, 25-23, 25-16, 25-23.
Three players from the Japanese team scored in double figures, led by Tamaru Asaka’s 16 points. Taniguchi Saya and Yano Yukino contributed with 11 and 10 markers, respectively.
Team captain and setter Ohshima Kyoka, who was out during the Ablaze’s first game due to conditioning concerns, earned Player of the Game honors after tallying 22 excellent sets.
Coach Hideo Suzuki revealed that they knew they had to play their best going against Cignal, a team that they must have scouted for a while now.
“Malakas talaga ‘yung offense ng Cignal, so focus [ay] mag-defense and [magbigay ng] magandang laban,” Suzuki said through an interpreter.
Kyoka also acknowledged the strengths of Cignal, pointing to their blocking and height, which also became focal points of their game plan, she bared.
When asked about who stood out among the HD Spikers, Suzuki gave props to setter Gel Cayuna, who managed to get 15 excellent sets despite the outstanding defense of Kurashiki.
Now with two wins under their belt, the guest team from the Land of the Rising Sun is closing in on a finals berth. It will require hard work as they go back in action tomorrow, Tuesday, against the F2 Logistics Cargo Movers, a team that’s eager to turn their fortunes in the semifinals around despite slim chances.
Kyoka doesn’t seem to mind the lack of a day off.
“Super enjoy daw laro sa Philippines. Maganda raw Philippine volleyball,” the interpreter said before reporters, translating the setter’s statement.
Kurashiki and F2 Logistics face off tomorrow at 6:30 p.m.