Nur-Sultan, Kazakhstan, July 7, 2022 – Japan bounced back from their previous loss and sprung to a straight-sets win 3-0 (25-9, 25-11, 25-19) against Uzbekistan in Pool B of the Preliminary Round of the 21st Asian Women’s U20 Volleyball Championship.
“I feel great about today’s win, but I think we cannot relax. We have to prepare and work more so we can really make it to the championship,” said Japan captain Haruka Kaji, after Thursday’s victory at the NU Sports Centre.
Japan, who are looking to retain the title, dictated the complexion of the match by starting early on with their power serves. They knew that this could be the definitive measure they could put up against their opponents, and true enough, they posed a tough challenge on the passing lanes.
Japan likewise demonstrated more breadth and variety in offence, yet controlling the wing and the middle attack. Megumi Fukazawa (12 points) and Mika Yoshitake (11 points) contributed the most but the rest of the Japan hitters on the floor, at some point, have been able to score as well.
Credit went to setters Kaji and Niina Kumagai who ran a well-distributed offence throughout the match.
Uzbekistan tried to establish their own rhythm, enabling middle Dilnoza Boymirzaeva and outside hitter Ezozakhon Ismatova to connect in some impressive plays. They vastly improved by the third set, and they played along within close pace. However, they continued to deal with the opponents’ massive output from the service line. The Uzbekistan players have been unable to find real, sustainable solutions to run their plays consistently and effectively.
The Japanese side completed the match, unleashing a total of 13 service winners.
Japan will play India next, on Saturday, July 9 at 17:30 local time, while Uzbekistan will face Chinese Taipei in the earlier match at 15:00 local time.
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