Kurashiki’s Tamaru Asaka celebrates with libero Takahashi Kaoru after winning a point during their showdown with Kinh Bac-Bac Ninh in the PVL Invitational Conference semis Sunday. PVL photo
Daquis on Japan’s mind
JAPAN’S Kurashiki Ablaze vows for a better, stronger showing against Cignal today in the Premier Volleyball League Invitational Conference at the Philsports Arena.
Coach Hideo Suzuki said that Rachel Anne Daquis stood out when the Ablaze saw the HD Spikers play for the first time last Sunday.
Durable as ever, Daquis scored 14 points in Cignal’s 23-25, 25-16, 25-21, 24-26, 10-15 loss to defending champion Creamline.
But Kurashiki has to watch out other players outside of Daquis in the 4 p.m. match.
Ces Molina was the thorn in the Cool Smashers side, producing a solid all-around game for the HD Spikers with 28 points and 11 digs, while Jovelyn Gonzaga also contributed on offense with 11 points.
Then there’s also Riri Meneses, who had two service aces to finish with 11 points, and setter Gel Cayuna, who had team-highs four aces and two blocks in the loss.
The Ablaze shrugged off an early struggle and dumped Vietnam’s Kinh Bac-Bac Ninh, 23-25, 25-14, 25-20, 25-11, in their opening semifinals match.
“We’re thankful for the invitation (to play) and, step by step, we will level up,” said Suzuki through an interpreter.
Cignal is wary on Tamaru Asaka, which introduced herself to the Filipino fans with a 29-point outing for Kurashiki, a third-tier Japanese club which has a solid floor defense.
Asaka actually downplayed her big performance, saying she struggled against Kinh Bac-Bac Ninh’s superb blocking in the early going.
“Their blocking was good but I was able to adjust in time,” said Asaka, who will turn 25 next month.
A win over the Ablaze will bolster the HD Spikers to secure a place in the one-match championship on Sunday.
Creamline holds a perfect 3-0 semifinals record. The Cool Smashers are taking a precious break before stepping up their title drive against the Vietnamese tomorrow.
Cignal is locked in a three-way tie with F2 Logistics and PLDT from third to fifth places at 1-2. The HD Spikers and the Cargo Movers are level with four points in the first tiebreaker, but coach Shaq delos Santos’ side is ahead on sets ratio.
The High Speed Hitters, who will take on the Vietnamese at 6:30 p.m., have three points to show and cannot afford any misstep from now on to stay in the race.
“We know that the local teams are strong but we will do our best, we will show our worth,” said Suzuki. “This is a good experience for us, especially with so many fans.
Filipinos really love volleyball.”
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Creamline stays unbeaten
