The Kurashiki Ablaze. Photo by Mark Demayo, ABS-CBN News 

MANILA – Defending champion Kurashiki Ablaze of Japan downed Thai squad Est Cola, 25-20, 25-18, 23-25, 25-21, to take the 2024 Premier Volleyball League (PVL) Invitational Conference opener on Wednesday at the PhilSports Arena in Pasig City.

Despite stumbling in Set 3, it was still a victorious start for the Ablaze who seek to retain the Invitational crown.

Low Mei Cing fired 22 points on 19 attacks and two aces, Yano Yukino had 15 points, Taniguchi Saya added 14, while Gondo Mami and Tanabe Saki contributed 11 points each for balanced scoring of the winning side.

Reflecting on the opening triumph, coach Hideo Suzuki said through a translator that they had a “so-so” performance. Still, they were happy to reach the Philippine shores again.

“Very happy raw sila na nakalaro sila sa Philippines, pero ‘yung first game, medyo nervous pa, then medyo so-so ‘yung performance. Kailangan ayusin pa raw.”

Warisara Seetaloed paced the debuting squad with 14 points anchored mostly on attacks, while Nattharika Wasan also had 11 points.