Japan Secures Dominant Win Over Czechia, Led by Ishikawa’s Aces

Japan’s Mayu Ishikawa enjoying the fans’ love

Following two challenging defeats against Italy and China, Japan`s women`s team successfully returned to winning form in the Volleyball Nations League by sweeping their final match of the week in Hong Kong against Czechia on Sunday. This victory improves their record to 6 wins and 2 losses, accumulating 18 points, securing them fourth place in the current VNL standings. For Czechia, a two-game winning streak came to an end, but the VNL newcomers are still positioned favorably for the Finals, holding eighth place with a 4-4 record and 10 points. Earlier in the day, Bulgaria prevented Thailand from completing a comeback from two sets down, ultimately defeating the Asian side in a tie-breaker. This win elevates Bulgaria to 11th place with a 3-5 record and 9 points. Thailand is currently third from the bottom, in 16th place, with 1 win and 7 losses, totaling 5 points.

Led offensively by outside hitter and captain Mayu Ishikawa and opposite Yukiko Wada, Japan clinched a decisive 3-0 victory over Czechia (25-22, 25-15, 25-20). Ishikawa was particularly impressive, delivering four aces and adding a kill block, along with a 52% success rate in spiking, to lead all scorers with a total of 17 points. Wada contributed significantly with 16 points, including one ace. Middle blocker Airi Miyabe also reached double digits, scoring 11 points with a 73% hitting success rate, complemented by two blocks and an ace.

“I think we played well tactically today. Discipline was high, precision was good and the score was most important for us. It was an important victory. Next week we play at home, in Japan, so with six victories right now we have a big advantage to go to the Finals, and we will fight for that,” Japan’s Turkish head coach Ferhat Akbas commented. “Czechia are a great team. They had some great victories and it is difficult to play against them. This season the VNL is really crazy – everybody beats everybody. But we just want to make sure that we are at the Finals, so we will try our best for more victories.”

Czechia offered spirited resistance against their strong opponents but were unable to secure a set. Outside hitters Helena Grozer (12 points) and captain Michaela Mlejnkova (11 points), along with 20-year-old opposite Monika Brancuska (11 points), all reached double-figure scoring for their team.

Bulgaria Edges Thailand in Five-Set Thriller

The day`s action in Hong Kong commenced with a thrilling five-set match. After dropping the initial two sets to Bulgaria, Thailand mounted a strong comeback to force a tie-breaker. However, Bulgaria regained control in the final set to secure a 3-2 victory (26-24, 25-13, 21-25, 22-25, 15-9).

Beyond capitalizing on opponent errors, Bulgaria`s success was significantly influenced by their strong blocking game, tallying 12 kill blocks compared to just four for Thailand. Bulgarian star outside hitter and captain Elitsa Atanasijevic was the top scorer of the match with 19 points, including two blocks and the match-winning kill, along with 17 attack points. Middle blockers Nasya Dimitrova and Hristina Vuchkova were key at the net, each contributing three blocks. Dimitrova finished with 18 points, including two aces, while Vuchkova recorded a 65% success rate in attack en route to 16 points. Opposite Radostina Marinova also added 16 points, and outside hitter Aleksandra Milanova contributed 11.

Four players scored in double digits for Thailand. The leading scorers were 19-year-old outside hitter Warisara Seetaloed and her teammate Sasipapron Janthawisut, both with 15 points exclusively from attacks. Opposite Thanacha Sooksod and middle blocker Thatdao Nuekjang added 14 and 13 points, respectively.

Upcoming Matches

The final day of the women’s VNL competition week features a total of nine matches. A highly anticipated match in Hong Kong features hosts China taking on defending champions Italy. Other matches scheduled include Belgium vs. Canada and Germany vs. Netherlands currently underway in Istanbul and Belgrade, respectively. Later on Sunday, Korea meets the Dominican Republic in Istanbul, followed by a highlight clash between Turkiye and Brazil. France vs. USA and Serbia vs. Poland complete the schedule in Belgrade.