The Kurashiki Ablaze of Japan were impressed by the overwhelming support of Filipino volleyball fans during their 23-25, 25-14, 25-20, and 25-11 victory over Vietnam’s Kinh Bac in the Premier Volleyball League Invitational semifinals on Saturday night at the Philsports Arena in Pasig City.
Ablaze head coach Hideo Suzuki expressed his team’s astonishment at the wild Filipino crowd they encountered at the beginning of their guest stint in the PVL’s mid-season conference.
“It was a wonderful experience for us because there were many fans, and we felt their cheers. We realized that Filipinos love volleyball,” said Suzuki.
Asaka Tamaru, who scored 29 points and led the way for Kurashiki in their win over Kinh Bac, expressed that she feels at home playing in the Philippines and is impressed by the passionate Pinoy volleyball fans.
“When we arrived at the venue and saw the audience, there were so many, and their cheers were loud. We felt that we would enjoy playing here. Thank you,” said Tamaru.
The Ablaze will aim for their second win in the single-round robin semifinals when they face the Cignal HD Spikers on Monday afternoon at the same venue.
See related story:
Japanese, Vietnamese volleyball clubs set to compete in PVL Invitational semis
