Japan in motion vs Serbia through the VNL Women’s Week 2 at Philsports Arena.
MANILA, Philippines — Japan survived a gritty Serbia side to eke out a come-from-behind 20-25, 26-24, 18-25, 32-20, 15-7 win and preserve a 5-0 record within the Volleyball Nations League women’s week 2 on Wednesday at Philsports Arena in Pasig City.
Mayu Ishikawa and Yukiko Wada saved the Japanese from the brink of defeat, delivering the ending blows to maintain the solo lead of the 18-nation, nine-leg pool phase league.
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Ishikawa delivered 24 points and the last two within the fifth set to seal the comeback win, while Wada chipped in 20 points — all from attacks.
Japan squandered a 24-22 advantage within the fourth after Serbia took five match points. Haruyo Shimamura put Japan ahead with a clutch block, 31-30, followed by Yoshino Sato’s set-clinching hit to force a decider.
Sato’s ace kept Serbia at bay within the fifth with a 13-5 spread, as she finished with 12 points off seven kills, 4 aces, and a block. Shimamura had 11 points.
“Today, it was an excellent comeback.Serbia played really great. Great match. And we were struggling through the match, but after some time, we get the rhythm. So it was an incredible comeback. It’s the fifth victory in five matches, so it’s so good. We want to proceed on this rhythm,” said Japan coach Fehrat Akbas, who was thrilled by the cheers of the Filipino crowd.
“All crowd, I see, I hear, Nippon, Nippon, so that they supported us really good. We were feeling like we’re in Japan, so thanks to all Philippine fans. I hope they arrive and support us for the following matches too.”
Aleksandra Uzelac scored 21 for Serbia. Nina Cajic chipped in 18 points just for them to drop to a 1-4 record.
Hena Kurtagic had five of Serbia’s 15 block points, while Japan had only a complete of 4.
Japan returns to motion on Friday against Czechia, while Serbia has a brief turnaround before facing defending champion Italy on Thursday at 8 p.m.