ZUS Coffee has announced the acquisition of Kurashiki open spiker Asaka Tamaru as their first-ever import player.
This news was shared by Thunderbelles head coach Jerry Yee during the inaugural PVL Draft Combine at Gameville Ballpark in Sheridan, Mandaluyong.
“Nakita ko maglaro sa Japan, pwede. When I complimented her that she was strong, she said that she was still at 50-percent. Okay kami with her and the new girls, along with the new chance to be here,” Yee said.
Tamaru has a history with Yee, having previously joined his coaching staff at Farm Fresh in the PVL and at University of the East in the UAAP earlier this year.
She also played a crucial role in leading Kurashiki to a championship victory in the 2023 PVL Invitational Conference, where she earned the title of First Best Open Spiker.
Before her professional career with Kurashiki, Tamaru showcased her skills at Kyoto Sangyo University and Mimasaka High School.
At 25 years old and standing 169 centimeters tall, she is set to bolster a ZUS Coffee team that includes College of St. Benilde standouts, such as reigning NCAA MVP Cloanne Mondoñedo, Gayle Pascual, Jade Gentapa, Mich Gamit.
“Confident kami sa training program [and] sa sipag na nandito kami. Yung result hindi naman namin hawak ‘yon, pero excited kami and gusto na namin magsimula,” Yee added.
With Tamaru's addition, ZUS Coffee looks forward to making a significant impact in the upcoming PVL Reinforced Conference.
