Kurashiki Ablaze celebrates against Creamline Cool Smashers in the PVL Invitational Semifinals. –MARLO CUETO/INQUIRER.net
Kurashiki of Japan had a feel of what it is playing—and beating—Creamline, clipping the Cool Smashers in a no-bearing game ahead of their clash for all the marbles in the Premier Volleyball League (PVL) Invitational Conference.
Coach Hideo Suzuki knows that Creamline didn’t play its best in their 25-20, 25-21, 18-25, 25-14 win, but feels that he and his Ablaze have learned valuable things to score a repeat when they collide again in a winner-take-all match for the crown at PhilSports Arena in Pasig.
“In this game, we saw and learned each other’s game. On Sunday, the more composed and courageous team will win,” said Suzuki through a translator. “We were so happy that we were able to beat the defending champions. But the final is a bigger challenge for us.”
Creamline saw a seven-game winning streak come to a halt as it rested Ced Domingo and let some of its reserves play longer minutes than usual.
Asaka Tamaru, who dropped 19 points on Creamline, also has the same mindset as her coach.
“All I want is to win,” she said. “I felt Creamline exposed some weak points in our game, but I’ll do my best in the final.”
Fresher legs
Sherwin Meneses could have something up his sleeve, but one thing sure is that the Cool Smashers will come into the 4 p.m. contest fresher than the Ablaze, who will be playing their fourth game in the last five days.
Libero Kaoru Takahashi, who had 16 digs, anticipates a tougher game in the final, believing that the Cool Smashers will unleash their best game.
“It will be harder on Sunday,” said Takahashi. “I know that Creamline is a strong offensive team so I will continue concentrating on floor defense.”
“They have a lot of fans cheering. But I’m excited and it motivates us to play better,” she added.