Kurashiki’s Asaka Tamaru strengthens ZUS Coffee

By: Ernest Tuazon

Barring any setbacks, ZUS Coffee uses Kurashiki opposite spiker Asaka Tamaru as its very first import in the upcoming PVL Reinforced Conference.

Thunderbelles head coach Jerry Yee shared this development with reporters during the first day of the inaugural PVL Draft Combine today, June 25, at the Gameville Ballpark in Sheridan, Mandaluyong.

“Nakita ko maglaro sa Japan, pwede. When I complimented her on being strong, she said she was still at 50 percent. Okay kami with her and the new girls, along with the new chance to be here,Yee said.

It should be noted that Tamaru previously joined Yee’s coaching staff at Farm Fresh in the PVL and University of the East in the UAAP last summer.

Tamaru led Kurashiki’s championship run at the 2023 PVL Invitational Conference, where she was recognized as the First Best Opposite Spiker.

Before her professional volleyball career with the Ablaze, Tamaru played for Kyoto Sangyo University and Mimasaka High School.

At 25 years old and 169 centimeters tall, Tamaru will join a ZUS Coffee team led by College of St. Benilde standouts, including reigning NCAA MVP Cloanne Mondoñedo, Gayle Pascual, Jade Gentapa and Mich Gamit, along with the expected first place in the general classification. pick and La Salle middle blocker Thea Gagate.

“Confident kami sa training program (en) sa sipag na nandito kami. Yung result hindi naman namin hawak ‘yon, pero excited kami and enthusiasm na namin magsimula,’ Yee said.