The middle blocker got a taste of home right in PhilSports Arena.
Filipino-Japanese middle blocker Risa Sato couldn't help but gush and giggle, as usual, when she was asked to talk about their Japanese opponents for the PVL Invitational Conference finals, the Kurashiki Ablaze.
"Yung Japan kasi bata pa lang. Sobrang sipag sila. Makulit sila!" the Creamline Cool Smashers volleybelle told reporters on Friday.
The defending champions absorbed their first loss of the conference to the visiting team, 25-20, 25-21, 18-25, 25-14.
Sato noted their impressive floor defense, with libero Takahashi Kaoru making 16 excellent digs while spiker Yano Yukino had 13 excellent receptions.
"Yung receive-receive, marami silang kuha," she noted of the Japanese team's discipline. "Parang nami-miss ko, yung nakita ko yung itsura nila focused. Japan style talaga."
"Parang nami-miss ko. Share ko lang."
It was technically a non-bearing semifinals match since both squads will be competing again for the title on Sunday. But it was useful so both teams had an idea of how their opponents would play.
"Medyo may nakuha naman kami. Alam ko na kung paano sila pumalo," Sato said.
She was fielded in as a starter this time around and contributed 10 points, three coming off blocks.
By Sunday, they would be ready.
"Babawi kami sa training. And Sunday yes, kailangan champion kami."
(With reports from Jamie Velasco, One Sports Digital)
(CF)