Jiangmen, China, July 8, 2024 – Reigning champions Japan powered their way into the final of the 22nd Asian Women’s U20 Volleyball Championship after managing a 3-0 (25-22, 25-11, 25-20) shutout of Thailand in the semifinal clash at the Jiangmen Sports Center Gymnasium on Monday.
Japan maintained their remarkable unbeaten run in the nine-day championship, dropping only one set to Korea en route to the final, their 16th showdown. Out of their previous 15 finals, Japan captured 7 titles and picked up 8 silvers. Japan won the last two editions in 2018 in Bac Ninh, Vietnam and 2022 in Nur Sultan, Kazakhstan (the 2020 edition was cancelled due to COVID-19 pandemic).
Against Thailand in the semifinals on Monday, Japan remained strong with the likes of outside hitter Miku Akimoto, who scored a match-high 33 points in their previous match against Korea, fellow outside hitters Sae Omori and Anna Uemura, who landed the Best Outside Hitter and MVP awards at the previous edition to her name. Thailand fielded not so tall, but formidable players led by hard-hitting Warisara Seetaloed.
Thailand and Japan locked horns in the tight first set, with Phattharawadee Khamnuan firing lighting fast spikes and Warasara unleashing some fine attacks to help the team leveled at 9-9 and 17-17. Japan bounced back heavily, making use of Akimoto’s powerful swings to collect some points for Japan, while Anna Uemura added some more from her terrific jump serves and attacks for the team to catch up at 21-21. Japan cruised on their fine form to close out the set 25-22.
The second set proved one-way traffic, with Japan leading from start to finish. Uemura carried out great serves and exceptional mid-court attacks, while Akimoto and Omori overcame the Thai blockers with their deadly spikes. Thailand tried to put their acts together for recovery, but their attempts were in vain. Japan continued their leading way. Akimoto and Uemura attacked exceptionally and solid blocks by Ichiyo Itoand Akimoto helped the team win the easy set 25-11.
Thailand clawed their way back into game in the third set, trailing closely with just one point behind at 15-16. However, Japan performed impenetrable defence shortly after that, leaving the opponents attacking difficulties. Taking a commanding 24-19 lead, Japan allowed Thailand only one more point from a Wannapha Phonsahwat’s attack to capture the set 25-20, match and a final berth.
“Japan and Thailand are very fast although they are not so tall. Their speed is also incredible. However, I think Thailand has a quick defence and so, we prepared on that in this match. Transition is also very important and we trained more on attacks and transition play. In our final against either China or Korea, we have to perform what we have trained and do our best in our last match here,” Japan head coach Hiroyuki Yamaguchi commented.
In this match, Miku Akimoto delivered 18 points from 15 kills and 3 blocks for Japan, while Ichiyo Ito and Sae Omori kept good company to add 14 and 13 points respectively. Warisara Seetaloed scored 11 points on the Thailand’s loss.
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