Manila, Philippines, August 16, 2017 – After missing the semi-finals bus back in 2015, Japan booked the first seat in the SMM 19th Asian Senior Women’s Volleyball Championship finale Wednesday after defeating the less experienced crew of China 25-17, 25-18, 25-18 at the Alonte Sports Arena.
Without the services of Zhu Ting and other veterans from China, who sat out the tournament following the 2017 FIVB World Grand Prix, Japan lorded it over especially in offense where they scored 51 points off attacks as opposed to the opponents’ 30 kills.
After calling out her setters’ lackluster ball distribution prior to the semis, Kumi Nakada, in a change of tone, sang praises for Miya Sato who dished 33 excellent sets, allowing Risa Shinnabe, Rika Nomoto, Nana Iwasaka, Mami Ushiseto and Mai Okumura to all finish in double digits.
“Our players kept their concentration to the very end and it was very good. Today was good especially for our setter,” Nakada said in an interview.
For China, Jin Ye scored 15 points but it was not enough to get them in the final and defend their title in the biennial event.
Asked why the likes of Sarina Koga and Yurie Nabeya saw little to no action against China, Nakada teased by saying: “Secret.”
Japan have already beaten China, defending an 13-time Asian champions but sending a strong team of young bloods this time, in straight sets in the preliminary Pool B clash.
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