Reigning PVL Invitational Conference champs focused on showcasing play style

MANILA, Philippines – The Kurashiki Ablaze are more concerned about the type of play they bring to the Filipino volleyball community rather than their title-retention bid at the 2024 PVL Invitational Conference, which unfurled on Wednesday at the PhilSports Arena in Pasig City.

Returning as defending champions, Kurashiki head coach Hideo Suzuki said that he wants to inspire young Filipino volleyball players with the type of play that they bring to the table.

“Gusto [lang] nilang gumawa ng magandang laro,” Suzuki’s translator said.

“Ipapakita [ng team] sa mga Filipino children mga magandang plays and [na] magustuhan nila yung volleyball.” 

Ablaze had ruled the Invitational Conference last year, where they beat perennial local powerhouse Creamline Cool Smashers in a knockout final.

But with new faces in the team, and former star hitter Asaka Tamaru having left the team, they’re setting themselves with humble expectations.

Kurashiki began on the right note in their 2024 campaign with a four-set drubbing of Thai team Est Cola, made up of U20 players from their national team. Having only arrived in the Philippines last September 2, there’s still a lot of ground to make up, even with their 1-0 slate.

“Very happy raw sila na nakalaro sila sa Philippines, pero yung first game, medyo nervous pa, then medyo so-so yung performance. Kailangan ayusin pa,” Suzuki said, according to the translator.

Among Kurashiki’s stalwarts this time around is Low Mei Cing, who scored 22 points against Est Cola. Playing in her first stint here in the Philippines, she said that she is looking forward to further development as they go along this short but sweet conference.

“So far in Manila, I think we can get more experience because this is our first game in the Philippines. I think in the second game, we can be better and better,” she said.

The Ablaze gun for 2-0 against familiar faces as they go up against a Farm Fresh Foxies team that will feature not only former coaching staff member Shota Sato, but also Tamaru, who will serve as the Foxies import in the Invitational Conference.

Suzuki is looking forward to facing his former peers.

“Excited din sila, pero basta, gagawin na lang nila ang best plays nila,” relayed Suzuki’s translator.

Kurashiki and Farm Fresh collide on Thursday, September 5, still at the PhilSports Arena in Pasig City.