MANILA, Philippines – While facing the F2 Logistics fans inside the Philsports Arena, Kurashiki middle blocker Akane Hiraoka exposed her feelings as well as the team’s struggles. 

The Japanese team managed to win easily in straight sets, but the fervent Filipino fans’ exhilarating energy couldn’t help but make the Japanese squad feel uneasy.

It might not have been the biggest crowd the athletes had ever encountered, with only 3,435 people filling the 10,000-seat Pasig arena during the contest. The size of the crowd, however, was a brand-new and thrilling experience for Hiraoka and her teammates from the Division III team in Japan.

Hiraoka and her teammates overcame their initial apprehension by continuing to work toward their objective in spite of the enthusiastic crowd. Despite winning easily in straight sets, the Japanese team couldn’t help but be intimidated by the exciting environment produced by the fervent Filipino spectators. Determined to provide a standout performance, they concentrated on the game at hand and blocked off the distractions.

It might not have been the biggest crowd the athletes had ever encountered, with only 3,435 people filling the 10,000-seat Pasig arena during the contest. The size of the crowd, however, was a brand-new and thrilling experience for Hiraoka and her teammates from the Division III team in Japan.

Hiraoka and her teammates overcame their initial apprehension by continuing to work toward their objective in spite of the enthusiastic crowd. They filtered out the distractions and concentrated on the game at hand, determined to put up a great show.

Kurashiki put on an impressive show of talents and persistence in the game against F2 Logistics. The F2 supporters’ passionate applause intensified during the third set, increasing the pressure on the visiting squad. 

The Cargo Movers were swept by the Ablaze with an amazing score of 25 to 20, 25 to 22, 2 to 20 despite the enormous support for the opposition side. The Ablaze’s tenacity shone through and they put on a stunning display.

Hiraoka scored nine points on six attacks, two aces of service, and a block while playing a crucial part in the team’s triumph. With a stellar 3-0 record, Hiraoka helped Kurashiki move into second place in the standings, just behind Creamline, who were already qualified for the finals.

The Kurashiki team is carrying the priceless lessons they learnt from their conflict with F2 Logistics with them as they continue their journey in the 2023 Premier Volleyball League Invitational Conference. Their ability to rise to the occasion and execute excellently in trying situations will always be remembered because of the thrilling game. The players’ perseverance and ability to flourish in such a hostile environment will unquestionably be assets as they make their way through the remaining rounds of the competition. The Kurashiki Ablaze unquestionably left their mark in the Philippines, fostering a long-lasting bond between volleyball fans from various countries and a tradition of fierce competition.

The Kurashiki Ablaze’s exciting encounter with F2 Logistics served as a defining moment, putting their abilities and resiliency to the test in front of an eager international audience. The game gave the team, headed by Hiraoka, a chance to practice under pressure and gain crucial experience.