SWEEP disposition it was for Japan, as it finally got one over USA in front of a 12,424-strong Mall of Asia Arena crowd
Even sans star trio Ran Takahashi, Yuki Ishikawa, and Yuji Nishida, the Japanese ran past the Americans, 25-20, 25-23, 25-19, in a primetime battle between Filipino fan favorites in the 2024 Volleyball Nations League (VNL) Manila leg on Sunday.
After 18 straight head-to-head losses, this is the first time that world No. 4 Japan triumphed over Team USA in an FIVB-sanctioned match.
READ: Japan meets Team USA in battle of VNL Manila fan favorites
With the VNL Finals week and next month’s Olympics fast approaching, both teams opted to field their second-stringers in their Manila leg finale, as the likes of fan favorites Yuki and Yuji of Japan and Americans TJ Defalco and Matt Anderson watched from the sidelines.
Ryujin Nippon's second opposite hitter Kento Miyaura was first in the scoresheets with 18 markers built on 12 attacks, five aces (three of his last points), and a block.
“Today, I was the top scorer, but sometimes, I am (caught) in difficult moments, but I tried to find a solution. I had many mistakes in spiking, but I’m happy to win,” he said after stepping up for the second straight game.
“The last game was very difficult game, but we won so this experience (will help me and the team) in the Olympics. Philippine fans are pushing us many times. Also, Philippine fans love volleyball. They are making (a) very nice atmosphere.”
Kai Masato also came through on offense with 16 points on 12 attacks and four aces to help Japan enter the VNL quarterfinals in third place at 9-3.
Even in defeat, though, Team USA said they will forever cherish their first time in Manila.
"It's the best experience that I think we've had in the VNL in a while. Obviously, we wanted to win today, but the crowd was awesome. It was a stretched game for both teams as you can see, but Japan was a little bit better than us," said libero Erik Shoji, one of the Americans’ starting cast who saw action in the match.
“The atmosphere was really intense, so we're hoping for a similar crowd in Paris like the one in here in Manila. But we learn from every experience, good or bad, and move forward."
Kyle Ensing paced the loss with 14 points on 13 attacks and one block, as the Americans bid their VNL playoff hopes goodbye after finishing in 12th place at 5-7.
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