KURASHIKI delivered a strong statement against reigning champion Creamline, pulling off a 25-20, 25-21, 18-25, 25-14 win to finish the 2023 PVL Invitational Conference semifinals unbeaten on Friday at the PhilSports Arena.
READ: F2 Logistics seals place in battle for bronze
Led by Takahashi Kaoru's 16 excellent digs and five excellent receptions, the Japan V.League’s third division side dealt the six-time PVL winners a first loss ahead of their winner-take-all face-off in less than two days' time.
MVP contender Tamaru Asaka registered a game-high 19 attack points.
Ablaze emerges as the top-seeded team after the round-robin semis with a perfect 5-0 slate while ending Creamline's seven-game win streak.
It was a masterful 14-3 Kurashiki run in the fourth frame that ultimately crushed Creamline's hopes of a reverse sweep fightback.

Creamline coach Sherwin Meneses made a rare decision to field the entire roster in the match except former PVL Finals MVP Celine Domingo, giving his starters more rest ahead of the one-game final.
Get more of the latest sports news & updates on SPIN.ph