Kurashiki Ablaze of Japan bolstered its finals aspirations with a 25-20, 25-22, 25-20 victory over F2 Logistics in the Premier Volleyball League Invitational Conference at the Philsports Arena in Pasig City on Tuesday night, July 25.

Tamaru Asaka was explosive throughout the one and a half action, pumping in all her 19 points on attacks to lead the Japanese crew to their third straight win the semifinal phase. The Cargo Movers tried to douse Japan’s fiery offense behind the defensive efforts of Majoy Baron and Ara Galang, but it was not enough as they slid to their third loss against four matches. Baron and Galang actually combined for seven of F2 Logistics’ 11 blocks, but Japan was unstoppable as the visiting squad still managed 51 kills. Akane Hiraoka also stepped up for Japan with nine points including two aces, while Saya Taniguchi, Yano Yukino and Takio Kokoro chipped in seven points apiece. The Cargo Movers drew strength from Myla Pablo and Baron, who finished with 12 points each including a combined 17 attacks, but were unsuccessful. It also didn’t help that Kianna Dy sat out of the match due to injury.

*Japan remains unbeaten in three games in the PVL Invitational Conference semifinals. (PVL Images)
*Tamaru Asaka was explosive throughout the one and a half action, pumping in all her 19 points on attacks to lead the Japanese crew to their third straight win the semifinal phase. The Cargo Movers tried to douse Japan’s fiery offense behind the defensive efforts of Majoy Baron and Ara Galang, but it was not enough as they slid to their third loss against four matches. Baron and Galang actually combined for seven of F2 Logistics’ 11 blocks, but Japan was unstoppable as the visiting squad still managed 51 kills. Akane Hiraoka also stepped up for Japan with nine points including two aces, while Saya Taniguchi, Yano Yukino and Takio Kokoro chipped in seven points apiece. The Cargo Movers drew strength from Myla Pablo and Baron, who finished with 12 points each including a combined 17 attacks, but were unsuccessful. It also didn’t help that Kianna Dy sat out of the match due to injury.