UE Lady Warriors coach staff Hideo Suzuki, Obet Vital, Jerry Yee, and Shota Sato for the UAAP Season 86 women’s volleyball. –SGA HANDOUT
MANILA, Philippines — University of the East has tapped Kurashiki Ablaze assistant coach Shota Sato and opposite spiker Asaka Tamaru to join the women’s volleyball team coaching staff, hoping to turn the tables in the UAAP Season 86.
UE on Friday announced the addition of Sato and Tamaru, who led Kurashi to PVL Invitational Conference supremacy last year, after Jerry Yee’s three-month suspension.
The Japanese coaches with Sato as head consultant and Tamaru as an assistant coach will join interim coach Dr. Obet Vital and his coaching staff Stephanie Cholico, Allan Mendoza, Ludio Dulce, Gregory Ericta, John Paul Martires, and Jelai Gajero.
READ: UAAP volleyball: Jerry Yee suspension affected UE in loss to Adamson
Kurashiki, which recently ruled the V.League Division 3, is out to share its system with star rookie Casiey Dongallo, Kizzie Madriaga, KC Cepada, Riza Nogales, and Angelica Reyes.
“We’re thrilled to welcome Head Consultant Shota Sato and Assistant Coach Asaka Tamaru to UE. Witnessing their prowess in the 2023 PVL Invitational Conference has us eager to absorb their knowledge,” stated Lady Warriors team manager Jared Lao.
“With Coach Jerry temporarily away, they take the reins, and the players are excited. As the saying goes, ‘It ain’t over ’til it’s over,’ and under their leadership, we’re ready for the journey ahead.”
READ: UE’s Jerry Yee blasts UAAP volleyball suspension, claims ‘no due process’
UE, which fell to a 1-4 record, hopes to end its four-game skid with the Japanese coaches, who arrived in Manila on Thursday, against National University on Sunday at Mall of Asia Arena.
Kurashiki has been helping Filipino volleyball teams as its coach Hideo Suzuki is a team consultant for Farm Fresh in the PVL. The Japanese also train Farm Fresh’s sister team Strong Group Athletics and NCAA champion College of Saint Benilde.