Kurashiki turns back PLDT, sets up finals duel with Creamline

Japanese guest team Kurashiki Ablaze denied a comeback from PLDT with a 25-23, 23-25, 25-14, 25-23 victory in their semifinals clash to clinch the last finals berth in the 2023 PVL Invitational Conference on Thursday at the PhilSports Arena.

Kurashiki arranged a title duel with no less than the defending champion Creamline Cool Smashers ahead of their encounter on Friday for the ultimate day of the semifinals.

Kurashiki managed to get its momentum going early in the pivotal fourth set as it built a 19-11 lead to put the High Speed Hitters on the brink. But PLDT staged a rally as Mich Morente's back-to-back hits trimmed their deficit to four, 15-19.

Veteran setter Rhea Dimaculangan then unleashed a one-two play, 18-20, but Kurashiki rejected a Fiola Ceballos attack for a 23-19 cushion. Tanabe Saki sent the Japanese club to the match point, 24-22, before Hiraoka Akane delivered the game-winning kill.

Tamaru Asaka delivered a team-high 30 points built on 28 attacks and two blocks while Saki chipped in 15 markers as they improved to 4-0 while PLDT bowed out of contention with a 2-3 card.

Tubino paced PLDT with 23 points while Ceballos chimed in with 15.

—Bea Micaller/JKC, GMA Integrated News