PVL FINALS GAME TODAY SEPTEMBER 12, 2024! CREAMLINE VS. CIGNAL, KURASHIKI VS. EST COLA! #pvlfinals

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PVL: Kurashiki opens title defense with four-set beating of EST Cola in Invitational Conference

The Kurashiki Ablaze kicked off their 2024 PVL Invitational Conference campaign with a four-set victory over Thailand’s EST Cola, fueled by strong performances from Saya Tanaguchi and Honoka Doi.

PVL: Kurashiki opens title defense with four-set beating of EST Cola in Invitational Conference
The Kurashiki Ablaze are off to a strong start in their title defense after powering past EST Cola in the 2024 PVL Invitational Conference. | Photo (c) RM Chua/One Sports

Kurashiki Ablaze continued their winning ways in the PVL Invitational Conference after marking their return with a four-set victory over fellow guest team EST Cola of Thailand, 25-20, 25-18, 23-25, 25-21, at the PhilSports Arena in Pasig City on Wednesday, September 4.

After faltering in the third set, Kurashiki jumped ahead for a six-point lead at 12-6 courtesy of three straight kills by outside hitter Saya Tanaguchi.

EST Cola, which featured U-20 players, tried to mount a comeback once more after cutting the lead to just two points at 19-21 after Panthita Khongnok’s service ace.

This time around, the Japanese squad had an answer as the Ablaze turned to Tanaguchi and Honoka Doi, who combined to score the team’s final four points en route to the opening-day victory.

EST Cola managed to snatch the third set after holding off Kurashiki’s rally with its strong floor defense, which they capitalized on with back-to-back hits to seal the frame.

But in the end, Kurashiki flexed its might to extend its winning streak, which dates back to last year’s conference, to seven games.

Malaysian-Taiwanese import Low Mei Cing led the way for Kurashiki with 22 points on 19 attacks, one block, and two service aces.

Yukino Yano contributed 15 markers, while Taniguchi added 14 in the win. Mami Gondo and Saki Tanabe also had 11 apiece.

Warisara Seetaloed paced EST Cola with 14 points. Nattharika Wasan scored 11 in the opening-day loss.

Up next for Kurashiki will be the Farm Fresh Foxies, who added former player Asaka Tamaru to its roster for the conference, tomorrow at 4:00 p.m. still in PhilSports.