The Kurashiki Ablaze of Japan moved closer to securing a finals seat in the Premier Volleyball League Invitational after achieving a 25-23, 25-22, and 25-20 victory over the F2 Logistics Cargo Movers on Tuesday night at the Philsports Arena in Pasig City.
Behind the heavy-hitting tandem of Asaka Tamaru and Akane Hiraoka, the Ablaze proved relentless from both wings and on quick plays, relentlessly pounding the Cargo Movers’ tall middles and spikers with power hits, tallying their third win in as many games.
Asaka scored 19 points, including a match-clinching running attack over two F2 Logistics defenders, leading the way for the visiting Ablaze. Meanwhile, Hiraoka contributed nine markers to secure the win.
The Japan-based volleyball squad can secure the second finals seat by defeating the PLDT High Speed Hitters (2-2) on Thursday evening.
The Creamline Cool Smashers secured a return trip to the PVL Invitational finals with a straight-set victory over Vietnam’s Kinh Bac-Bac Ninh, 25-23, 25-23, 25-17.
Myla Pablo and Majoy Baron both finished with 12 points, while Ara Galang and Aby Maraño combined for 13 points for the Cargo Movers.
Unfortunately, the Cargo Movers bowed out of the title race with a third straight loss, holding a 1-3 record and tying with the Cignal HD Spikers for fourth place.
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Creamline sweeps Kinh Bac, secures return trip to PVL Invitational Finals
