MANILA, PHILIPPINES — On Monday at Philsports Arena, the Kurashiki Ablaze defeated the Cignal HD Spikers, 25-23, 25-16, 25-23, to maintain their perfect record after two games in the 2023 Premier Volleyball League (PVL) Invitational Conference.

Kyoka Ohshima was in the lead with 22 superb sets and three points. 

After a competitive match in the first set, the Japanese hitters went on to demonstrate their dominance in the second set, and they were ready to do so again in the third. 

In its opening matchup with a Filipino squad, the third-division Japanese team maintained its commanding lead as team captain Kyoka Ohshima, who was absent on Saturday due to illness, was a revelation for the Ablaze with 22 great sets and three points. Three of her teammates contributed significantly as well, each scoring in the double digits.

“Cignal is strong and they have a tall blocking pattern. We tried to find a way to evade their blocks. This game, we did well in spiking,” Kyoka said through a translator after her team outclassed the HD Spikers in attacking, 55-33.

The HD Spikers, however, disagreed as they led the Japanese team 13-8 at the start of the third frame. Even after Ablaze outscored Cignal by six straight points to defeat it, 14-13, the teams were knotted at 23 all as Cignal attempted to prolong the match into a second set.

Following that, Kurashiki scored two straight points, giving them the advantage to finally hold off Cignal for their second victory in a row.

Their next assignment is on Tuesday at 6:30 PM at the same Pasig Venue against the F2 Logistics Cargo Movers, who have a 1-2 win-loss record.

As a result, Cignal, who was led by Ces Molina’s 12 points, all of which came on assaults, dropped to 1-3 and will play Kinh Bac-Bac.

Ces Molina led Cignal with 12 points, all on attacks, over the course of 10 sets and 8 receptions. Despite this, Cignal dropped to 1-3 and will now face Kinh Bac-Bac Ninh on Thursday at 6:30 PM.

Following her with five goals, Rachel Anne Daquis, Ria Meneses, and Glaudine Troncoso each scored four. – WhatALife!/Zain

Source: (1), (2)

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