Tamaru Asaka will be the biggest challenge for Creamline's title defense.
The Kurashiki Ablaze blazed its way to the PVL Invitational Conference finals behind an unbeaten run in four matches.
The visitors from Japan have exemplified the style of play the Land of the Rising Sun is known for, and the forefront of that is hitter Tamaru Asaka.
Asaka has been on fire for Kurashiki since she debuted with 29 points against their co-visitors Kinh Bac Bac Ninh. That was followed by 16 points against the Cignal HD Spikers, 19 markers versus the F2 Logistics Cargo Movers, and the recent 30-point explosion against the PLDT High Speed Hitters.
Local fans are now crowning the Japanese to be an early MVP favorite.
One pointed out that the Best Opposite Hitter award might be already in the bag of the Japanese.
"Grabe 'yung Tamaru Asaka. Walang katakot-takot. Gusto mag-MVP 'yarn?! Taas ng efficiency! Whooping 51% on spikes!" @kytecon said.
Stating the obvious, one said that the Creamline Cool Smashers will have to slow down the scoring machine in the finals.
One fan jokingly pleaded Asaka to "slow down."
Before their all-or-nothing finals match on Sunday, Kurashiki and defending champions Creamline will face each other later at 6:30 p.m. in their non-bearing semifinals match. That would be a preview of what's to expect this weekend when they battle for the crown.