The Kurashiki Ablaze of Japan were left in awe of the overwhelming support from Filipino volleyball fans as they made their debut in the PVL Invitational Conference at the PhilSports Arena on Saturday, July 22.
In their opening match, Kurashiki secured a victory against the Vietnamese team, Kinh Bac-Bac Ninh, with a score of 23-25, 25-14, 25-20, 25-11, kickstarting their semifinal campaign on a high note.
Ablaze head coach Hideo Suzuki, speaking through an interpreter, expressed his delight at the fantastic PVL debut experience, citing the abundance of fans and cheers as a testament to the Filipino’s love for volleyball.
He acknowledged that their next opponent, Cignal, also boasts a strong fan base but assured that his team would give their best performance.
Throughout the game, the stadium was packed with around 7,000 passionate fans, and both Kurashiki Ablaze and Bac Ninh were treated to showers of cheers whenever the cameras focused on them, their faces illuminating the big screens of the arena.
Tamaru Asaka, who played a pivotal role in Kurashiki’s victory with 29 points, expressed her team’s joy in playing in the Philippines. The massive and enthusiastic audience made them feel welcomed, and they were grateful for the opportunity to compete in such a vibrant atmosphere.
Indeed, the Filipino fans left an indelible mark on the visiting teams, creating an unforgettable experience for everyone involved.
(ai/mnm)