JAPAN’S Kurashiki Ablaze made quick work of Thailand’s EST Cola, 25-22, 26-24, 25-20, to secure third place yesterday in the Premier Volleyball League Invitational Conference at the Smart Araneta Coliseum.

Cing Low Mei had 14 points on 8-of-19 kills and match-best six blocks, Saki Tanabe hammered 13 kills and collected seven digs, while last year’s Finals MVP Kyoka Oshima tossed in 19 excellent sets and fired two service aces for the Ablaze.

Cignal ended Kurashiki’s reign with a 25-23, 19-25, 25-23, 22-25, 15-11 victory Wednesday night to forge a Final duel with Creamline.

The Ablaze looked like they hardly affected from the semifinal defeat, showing tremendous composure in the extended second set before closing out the one-hour, 37-minute match.

“We were sad that we lost, but we were to reset our mindset because it is great opportunity to play in the Philippines,” said Kurashiki coach Hideo Suzuki through an interpreter.

Warisara Seetaloed led the Thais with 14 points and nine receptions, while Natthawan Phatthaisong contributed 11 points.

AUTHOR PROFILE

Theodore P. Jurado