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Manila Bulletin devider Sports devider Volleyball devider Kurashiki Ablaze returns for title defense in PVL Invitational

Kurashiki Ablaze returns for title defense in PVL Invitational

Published Aug 30, 2024 07:34 am

At A Glance

  • Kurashiki Ablaze is bracing for a highly anticipated title defense in the 2024 Premier Volleyball League (PVL) Invitational Conference in September. 
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Kurashiki Ablaze is bracing for a highly anticipated title defense in the 2024 Premier Volleyball League (PVL) Invitational Conference in September. 

 

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PVL foreign guest team Kurashiki Ablaze (PVL)

 

Even with the Reinforced Conference semifinal still underway, the Japanese team is already looking sharp for what is expected to be a fierce competition against local club teams. 

Kurashiki arrived on local shores last year and completed a perfect six-game sweep over fan favorites Creamline Cool Smashers in an epic five-set title showdown with a promise to come back for more glory and exciting volleyball. 

This year’s Invitational Conference will feature six teams which includes current top local squads Creamline, Cignal HD Spikers and PLDT High Speed Hitters following their upcoming semifinal campaign in the ongoing import-laden conference. 

The short-format tournament is set to become the third offering of the professional league for its 2024 season, with another foreign team expected to spice things up with its presence. 

Last year, key members of the Japanese club made their valuable contributions to multiple local teams with its head coach Hideo Suzuki taking on a consultancy role with the young Farm Fresh team, while assistant coach Shota Sato guided the Foxies to their first-ever playoff appearance in the Reinforced as their head coach. 

Not to mention, Sato and Kurashiki ace Asaka Tamaru was tapped by University of the East to be part of its coaching staff during the UAAP Season 86 women’s volleyball tournament earlier this year. 

Additionally, Tamaru, who was named as one of the Best Outside Hitters in Kurashiki’s championship run last year also saw action for the ZUS Coffee Thunderbelles as their import in their recently concluded elimination round campaign in the Reinforced. 

 

 

Related Tags

pvl invitational conference Creamline Cool Smashers Premier Volleyball League
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