Kurashiki downs Creamline to claim PVL Invitational crown

Guest team Kurashiki Ablaze of Japan dethroned the Creamline Cool Smashers, 19-25, 25-23, 25-19, 20-25, 15-13 , to claim the 2023 PVL Invitational Conference title on Sunday in the finals at the PhilSports Arena in Pasig.

Kurashiki was leading 6-5 before the Cool Smashers scored three straight points to take an 8-6 lead. However, Kurashiki was able to catch up in the tight deciding frame before an ace from Asaka Tamaru sealed the deal.

Tamaru paced Kurashiki with 29 points while Yano Yukino and Kawamura Miho had 11 points apiece. Tanabe Saki added 10 points. 

Setter Ohshima Kyoka had 19 excellent sets on top of five points which earned her the Finals MVP plum.

Tots Carlos led the Cool Smashers with 27 points while Ced Domingo added 20 in the Creamline loss.

The Japan guest team had a 5-0 record in the semifinals before they outlasted erstwhile defending champs Creamline in the finals.

—Justin Kenneth Carandang/JMB, GMA Integrated News