Asaka Tamaru of ZUS Coffee during a PVL training session. – MARLO CUETO/INQUIRER.net
MANILA, Philippines — Asaka Tamar enjoyed a comeback in the PVL, this time as an import for the young ZUS Coffee team in the 2024 Reinforced Conference.
Despite losing in straight sets to defending champion Petro Gaz last Thursday, the Japanese spiker, who led Kurashiki Ablaze to the invitational title last year, was excited to play in front of a supportive Filipino crowd once again.
“[I missed] “I’m grateful for the support from my Filipino fans,” Tamar said in response to a reporter’s question through a translation app on her mobile phone.
Read: PVL: Petro Gaz takes on ZUS Coffee for title win
ZUS Coffee importer Mototamaru Asaka answers media interview questions through a translation app. #PVL2024 @INQUIRERSports pic.twitter.com/dgSvEjFx5u
— Lance Agcaoil (@LanceAgcaoilINQ) July 18, 2024
“I got a lot of supportive messages from my Filipino fans on Instagram, which gave me the strength to persevere. It was a lot of fun,” she added.
Tamaru, who singlehandedly led the Thunderbells to a 25-16, 25-21, 25-21 loss to Petro Gaz Angels in Pool B, is making the transition from playing for a Japanese champion club to leading a rebuilding team.
“It’s difficult to compare playing for a Japanese team and a Philippine team because the feeling is different, but there are many differences between the Japanese style of volleyball and the Philippine style, which can be confusing,” said Tamaru, who became a hero in Kurashiki last year when he scored the winning ace that beat the cream line in the final tournament.
Read: PVL: Thea Gagate is keen to revive ZUS Coffee after winless election campaign
Tamar, the 2023 Invitational Conference Opposite Spike of the Year, continues to be impressed with the talents of her younger teammates, especially NCAA MVP and Setter of the Year Cloanne Mondoñedo and University of Saint Benilde’s Finals MVP Gayle Paschall.
“It’s hard to pick just one because we’re all so good, but I think the setter and the offensive player are the best. [spiker]” said Tamaru-san.
Tamar and the Thunderbells will look to bounce back in Pool B when they take on the Signal HD Spikers on Tuesday at 1 p.m.
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