Japanese import Asaka Tamaru is still adjusting to her new team, the ZUS Coffee Thunderbelles, as they continue their campaign in the 2024 PVL Reinforced Conference.
Despite the efforts of Japanese import Asaka Tamaru, the ZUS Coffee Thunderbelles succumbed to the Petro Gazz Angels in straight sets during the 2024 PVL Reinforced Conference.
Tamaru, a former player for Kurashiki Ablaze in the 2023 PVL Invitational Conference, was a bright spot for the Thunderbelles, showcasing her skills with 17 points, eight excellent receptions, and five excellent digs.
This being her first game back in the PVL, the former Best Outside Hitter relished the support she’s been receiving from fans.
“I was able to do my best because I received a lot of messages of support from my fans in the Philippines on Instagram. It was a lot of fun,” Tamaru said in Japanese, which was translated using an app.
Now that she is not playing with her Kurashiki teammates, adjusting to the Philippine volleyball style has been a challenge for Tamaru.
“It’s difficult to compare playing for a Japanese team and playing for a Philippine team because the feeling is different. There are many differences from the Japanese volleyball style, which can be confusing,” she explained.
[ALSO READ: PVL: Asaka Tamaru hopes to bring Japanese style and discipline to revamped ZUS Coffee]
When asked about her standout teammates in ZUS Coffee, Tamaru had difficulty singling out just one player due to their solid performances.
She eventually highlighted setter Cloanne Mondonedo and opposite hitter Gayle Pascual as particularly impressive.
Mondonedo and Pascual are part of the College of Saint Benilde core that joined the Thunderbelles during the offseason.
“Each of us plays well, so it’s hard to choose just one, but I’d say the setter and the opposite [hitter],” Tamaru noted.
Mondonedo’s playmaking was a crucial element for ZUS Coffee, as she recorded 10 excellent sets. Meanwhile, Pascual contributed five points, demonstrating her offensive capabilities.
[ALSO READ: PVL: No. 1 Pick Thea Gagate excited to team up with CSB core in ZUS Coffee]
Despite the defeat, Tamaru, Mondonedo, and Pascual's performances indicate the promising potential for ZUS Coffee as they continue on with the Reinforced Conference even without their no. 1 pick Thea Gagate.
Up next for the Thunderbelles will be the Cignal HD Spikers on Tuesday, July 23, at 1:00 p.m.