Sports
Japan Women Claim Silver Medal in the Volleyball Nations League
Italy outplayed Japan in the volleyball tourney final in Bangkok, while Japan earned its best-ever finish just weeks before the start of the Paris Games.
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Italy accomplished its goal by collecting its second FIVB Women's Volleyball Nations League title on Sunday night, June 23 in Bangkok. At the same time, silver medalist Japan completed its best-ever tournament, men's or women's, in the VNL, which was first held in 2018.
Italy overpowered Japan in the Thai capital, winning 25-17, 25-17, 21-25, 25-20 and hauling in another gold medal in the 16-nation tournament. In 2022, Italy captured the title in Ankara, where Japan placed seventh.
Japan also placed seventh in the 2023 tournament. In 2021, Japan was fourth.
To reach the VNL final for the first time, world No 7 Japan conquered top-ranked Brazil in a five-set thriller in the semifinals on Saturday. (Check out highlights from the match on YouTube.)
After Sunday's match, which started at 10:30 PM JST, Japan coach Masayoshi Manabe focused on what he felt were positive takeaways from the tournament for his team.
"I think it was a good experience for the players to qualify for the Paris Olympics and to reach the finals at this tournament," Manabe said, according to NHK.
The coach added, "I think the team members, especially captain [Sarina] Koga, have grown tremendously by working hard voluntarily and without losing focus."
Looking back on the tournament, Japan middle blocker Airi Miyabe said the overall experience was important for her and her teammates.
"I think we grew a lot as a team throughout this VNL and we have to be proud of that," Miyabe said, according to Volleyball World. "Winning our first VNL medal is something we have to be proud of, but there are some things we have to work on too."
Key Statistics in the Volleyball Nations League Final
Japan struggled to handle Italy's potent frontline. This was particularly evident in one key aspect of the match. Italy had 12 blocks to Japan's two. (Watch highlights of the final.)
Continue reading the full story on SportsLook.
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Author: Ed Odeven
Find Ed on JAPAN Forward's dedicated website, SportsLook. Follow his [Japan Sports Notebook] on Sundays, [Odds and Evens] during the week, and X (formerly Twitter) ＠ed_odeven.
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