MANILA, PHILIPPINES — Kurashiki Ablaze of Japan took over the PVL Invitational Conference as they dethroned Creamline in a swift manner.
Kurashiki Ablaze has defeated Creamline after a thrilling 19-23, 25-23, 25-19, 20-25, 15-13 victory in the one-game final at PhilSports Arena. They defeated the powerhouse and captured the 2023 Premier Volleyball League Invitational (PVL) Conference title on Sunday night, July 30.
Creamline vs. Kurashiki was live as 8,000 people tuned in to the live stream.
The Japanese spikers banked on the troika of Tamaru Asaka, Tanabe Saki, and Akane Hiraoka in the important moments to become the first foreign team to win the PVL Invitational Conference.
Creamline vs Kurashiki has made the fans excited and cheering for their home team to win, as Kurashiki Ablaze took the win and finished their campaign with an unbeaten record, including five wins in the semifinals.
Kurashiki was down 13-12 in the fifth set; Asaka and Saki destroyed the Creamline’s defense with down-the-line spikes before Akane sealed the victory for Kurashiki.
As for PVL awarding, Tamaru, who was later labeled as the Best Outside Spiker, was consistent throughout the long match with 29 points, including 28 attacks, which mostly went through the defense of Creamline.
Akane put in 14 points, including 13 hits, Saki also gave 10 points, and Yukino Yano and Miho Kawamura contributed 11 points.
It almost seemed like Creamline was getting used to the offense of the Japanese Kurashiki Ablaze after Jema Galanza and Jia Morado gave Creamline the 8-6 lead. But the Japanese team was swift in countering Creamline.
In other PVL awardings, Trots Carlos was named Best Opposite Spiker. Unfortunately, Domingo scored 27 and 20 points in a losing effort for the Cool Smashers.
Cignal Ces Molina was awarded the Conference MVP after having the highest score by a local player in the semis.
Molina’s teammate Gel Cayuna (Best Setter) F2 Logsitics Majoy Baron (Best Middle blocker), PLDT’s Kath Arado (Best Libero), and Asaka and Creamline’s Alyssa Valdez (Best outside Spikers) were announced PVL awards for individual honors. – WhatALife!/Zain
Also read: Kurashiki Attains Second Win in PVL Sweeping Cignal HD
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