PVL: Kurashiki Ablaze star’s presence energizes Farm Fresh

Kurashiki Ablaze star Asaka Tamaru watching the PVL All-Filipino Conference game between Farm Fresh and Strong Group Athletics. –MARLO CUETO/INQUIRER.net

MANILA, Philippines — The Farm Fresh Foxies are grateful to have Kurashiki Ablaze star Asaka Tamaru on their team as assistant coach in the 2024 PVL All-Filipino Conference.

The Foxies may be out of contention but the learning progress continues as the Invitational Conference Best Opposite Spiker has joined coach Jerry Yee’s staff, including Japanese tacticians Shimizu Mikihiro and Shota Sato.

Tamaru’s presence made an immediate impact as Farm Fresh dominated sister team Strong Group Athletics, 25-10, 25-15, 25-22, on Thursday at Smart Araneta Coliseum.

READ: PVL: Farm Fresh Foxies go all in on new system

Opposite spikers Trisha Tubu and Caitlin Viray, who took turns doing the damage to SGA, credited their impressive performance to the Japanese spiker.

“Her arrival will make a huge impact on the team. She’s the leading scorer of the Ablaze. She may have shared some insights so far but she’s important to our team,” said Tubu in Filipino.

Farm Fresh Foxies in the PVL All-Filipino Conference. –MARLO CUETO/INQUIRER.net

The sophomore hitter led the Foxies with 13 points, while Viray only played one and a half sets but finished with 11 points including two blocks and an ace.

“It’s a huge honor to be guided by an MVP. In training, she’s always guiding us,” said Viray in Filipino. 

READ: PVL: Trisha Tubu, Farm Fresh end slide with win over Strong Group

Farm Fresh tallied its best season with three wins in 10 games. Tubu believes their team bond is getting stronger as their young team continues to grow in the pro volleyball league.

“Our team gelling has become stronger given our system is not that easy to master. But we help each other to adjust and adapt to the [Japanese] system,” Tubu said.

“We’re still in the process with the new system. We need to mature but we’re trying our best to adapt to the new style, which I believe will help us to rise in the next conference.”

Viray, who plays the same position as Tubu, said the players have just been embracing their respective roles.

“Whoever checks in, we’re always ready and we always got each other’s back,” said Viray. “We still have a lot to work and learn but the good thing about the team is very eager to learn.”

Farm Fresh closes its campaign against Choco Mucho on Tuesday next week at Philsports Arena.