The Japanese volleyball club aims for back-to-back titles in their return to the Philippines.
Back to defend their title are the Kurashiki Ablaze.
The reigning PVL Invitational champions confirmed they would be returning to the Philippines for the second straight year for a title-retention bid.
“Last year, we won the same tournament and will challenge again as a defending champion. In addition, between games, we will return the favor as much as possible as an invited team through volleyball classes for children in poor areas and interaction with university teams.,” the team posted on Instagram.
The Japanese volleyball squad overcame perennial powerhouse Creamline in the championship decider last year, winning in a thrilling five-set encounter.
[ALSO READ: PVL Invitational champ Kurashiki, Creamline show out in classic winner-take-all final]
Setter Ohshima Kyoka took home the Finals MVP award as she masterfully controlled the match for her squad.
Best Outside Spiker Asaka Tamaru memorably delivered the championship ace against Creamline.
She returned in the PVL Reinforced Conference, playing as the import for new squad ZUS Coffee Thunderbelles.
Kurashiki, along with Reinforced Conference semifinalists Akari Chargers, Cignal HD Spikers, PLDT High Speed Hitters, and Creamline Cool Smashers are set to headline the Invitational Conference. One more guest team is expected to join.