Japan celebrates after winning vs Czechia within the VNL Women’s Week 2 in Pasig City. –MARLO CUETO/INQUIRER.net
MANILA, Philippines — Japan escaped Czechia’s tough third-set challenge and scored a 25-15, 25-23, 27-25 win to remain unbeaten in six games within the Volleyball Nations League (VNL) Women’s Week 2 on Friday at Philsports Arena.
Czechia reached the set point, but a vital successful floor touch challenge by Japan mid-rally tied the third at 25-all. Yukiko Wada scored back-to-back kills to seal the win for her team and keep them on top of the standings of the 18-nation field.
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Yoshino Sato set the tone within the opening set, scoring 10 of her 21 points for his or her second win in Pasig City.
Japan’s Yoshino Sato goes for successful vs Czechia defenders during a game within the VNL Women’s Week 2 in Pasig. –MARLO CUETO/INQUIRER.net
“I believe we were in a position to bounce back through the use of the momentum of our opponents within the second half of the sport,” said SV.League MVP Sato.
“Volleyball is highly regarded here within the Philippines. So we feel like we play a house game.”
Team captain Mayu Ishikawa was also instrumental with 16 points, while Wada added 13.
Japan takes on the Dominican Republic on Saturday at 4 p.m. before capping Week 2 against defending champion Italy.
Czechia, which entered Week 2 with a 3-1 record, has yet to notch a win within the Philippine leg and slid to 3-4.