Kyoka Oshima (No. 3) went on to win Finals MVP. —AUGUST DELA CRUZ
Japan’s Kurashiki squad provided an ending that disappointed a huge hometown throng which anticipated a Creamline party like no other on Sunday night, as a 19-25, 25-23, 25-19, 20-25, 15-13 upset unseated the Cool Smashers at PhilSports Arena.
Beating the country’s most popular squad in the Premier Volleyball League (PVL) for the Invitational Conference crown—in an atmosphere that can only be described as hostile for the visitors—has given the Ablaze an exhilarating feeling that they are practically asking to get an invitation back for an encore.
“If he will invite us, 100-percent we will come back,” said coach Hideo Suzuki through an interpreter, referring to Ricky Palou, the PVL president whom he described as his “best friend.”
Palou, who was watching their postchampionship interview, only answered the Japanese coach with a smile.
It was a title game that highlighted how the game is played on both ends—with Creamline showcasing its massive offensive artillery to the hilt and the Ablaze showing that defense does win championships.
And Suzuki is not just asking for an invite back, he’s offering his services to help integrate defense into the Filipinos’ offense-oriented game.
“The Filipino teams are good in offense,” Suzuki said. “We’re planning to strengthen the relationship of Japan volleyball and Philippine volleyball. I plan to get a Filipino player and train with our team and then bring her back to the Philippines.
“So if there are interested players, please inquire with our team,”
Not that Kurashiki never used offense, but Suzuki’s “never allow the ball to drop” mentality wore the Cool Smashers down eventually, that championship point was clinched when Asaka Tamaru’s serve landed right on the line with no resistance.
It was a tournament to remember for the Ablaze, who went undefeated in six total games, counting two straight wins over a Creamline side that failed to figure them out in the title game. INQ
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