The Ablaze made light work of the Cargo Movers
The Kurashiki Ablaze is no token team. It came to win it all.
After losing its very first set in the PVL Invitational Conference against fellow guest team Kinh Bac-Bac Ninh on Saturday, the Ablaze has not lost a single set since then. Kurashiki continued its torrid run on Tuesday, dispatching the F2 Logistics Cargo Movers 25-20, 25-22, 25-20 for a second consecutive straight sets victory—a day after dispatching the Cignal HD Spikers, also in straight sets.
Leading the way for the visitors were Asaka Tamaru, who chipped in 19 points on 16 attacks, and Hiraoka Akane, who added 9 points built on 6 attacks, 1 block, 2 aces. Takio Kokoro, Yano Yukino, and Taniguchi Saya all contributed 7 markers apiece to highlight Kurashiki’s complete team effort at the PhilSports Arena.
Kurashiki’s third straight win sets it up for a potential collision course with the unbeaten Creamline Cool Smashers, this tournament’s defending champion and current league leader. The ladies in pink had earlier booked a seat in the championship round with a rousing 25-23, 25-23, 25-17 win over Kinh Bac-Bac Ninh.
Given the quality of play the Ablaze has shown, a Creamline versus Kurashiki battle for all the marbles would be a dream final in this midseason tourney, as it will pit arguably the Philippines’ best volleyball team and one of Japan’s top young squads.
Before that, however, Kurashiki will first need to dispatch the PLDT High Speed Hitters on Thursday, also in the same venue.