MANILA, Philippines – The Kurashiki Ablaze won a well-deserved bronze in only their second season in the Premier Volleyball League (PVL), but the real story was not the win but rather the incredible growth of the Filipino teams.

On a thrilling Thursday night at the SMART Araneta Coliseum, the Japan V.League Division 3 champions, who placed third in the 2024 PVL Reinforced Conference, swept Thailand’s Est Cola, 25-22, 26-24, 25-20. It was a brilliant game of volleyball. However, despite finishing on the podium, the Ablaze encountered numerous difficulties during the competition, which is evidence of the local clubs’ growing might.

An arduous path to success, it truly is. Kurashiki battled hard in every match to win; they did not cruise through the conference. The Ablaze defeated Farm Fresh and Est Cola to finish the first round with a 2-2 record. But they couldn’t defeat two of the PVL’s strongest teams, Creamline and Cignal, who are currently vying for the conference championship.

Through a translator, head coach Hideo Suzuki voiced his amazement at the caliber of play this year following their bronze-winning match. The PVL 2024 edition had set the standard far higher than he had imagined.

Suzuki was taken aback by the Filipino teams’ impressive comeback, pointing out that they had performed at a much higher level than in previous meetings. Suzuki said that the Filipino teams were stronger opponents on the field due to their superior skill and strategy levels. Suzuki also emphasized the large number of supporters for the Filipino teams, implying that their fervent support may have had an impact on the competition’s final outcome.

The boisterous and fervent audience generated a heated environment that might have impacted the game’s dynamics by making it harder for the rival teams to stay focused. Suzuki’s comments emphasized the advancements made by the Filipino teams as well as the possible benefits of having a devoted fan base. They also emphasized the growing support and spirit of competition that are becoming more and more noticeable in the sporting events of the region.

Suzuki’s comments highlighted the thrilling environment of Filipino volleyball, where fervent spectators pack the arenas and give their home teams a boost. Kurashiki was more impressed by these teams’ tactical development than by the enthusiastic backing of the fans.

Saki Tanabe, who led the Ablaze’s assault in their bronze-winning game with 13 points and seven digs, agreed with her coach’s observations. An experienced player in Japan’s V.League, Tanabe pointed out the clear differences between the PVL from the previous year and this one, emphasizing how much the local clubs had changed to become more competitive rivals.

Particularly noticeable was Farm Fresh’s adoption of the Japanese style of play, which emphasizes fast combo plays and careful ball control. Shota Sato, a former assistant coach of Kurashiki, is currently coaching Farm Fresh. Japanese volleyball has influenced other teams in the PVL, such as the HD Spikers and Cool Smashers, who have infused similar systems into their game plans. The PVL is becoming one of the most fascinating leagues in Southeast Asia because of the increased level of competition brought forth by this tactical growth.

There was more to Kurashiki Ablaze’s stay in the Philippines than just volleyball. The group had an influence off the court as well, participating in humanitarian endeavors to help Metro Manila’s impoverished youth. A visit to Smokey Mountain, where the team spent time with local youngsters, offering them not only practical aid but also moments of delight through volleyball clinics and bonding activities, was one of their most important initiatives.

These deeds of kindness further cement the team’s connections to the Filipino community and demonstrate their dedication to promoting goodwill and cross-cultural engagement. Kurashiki views their time in the Philippines as an opportunity to have a constructive influence in addition to competing.

Top-tier international teams like Kurashiki are drawn to the PVL because of its growth, while Filipino clubs are using it as a testing ground as they quickly get closer to their international rivals. In addition to demonstrating the Ablaze’s talent and tenacity, their bronze medal shows how far the PVL and its local squads have progressed in just one year.

Fans should anticipate more intense competition and better-prepared clubs, like Kurashiki, as the league continues to develop.