MANILA, Philippines — Yuki Ishikawa took issues into his personal palms to assist depleted Japan full an epic comeback-from-behind 17-25, 19-25, 25-16, 25-23, 15-10 win over Olympic champion France within the Volleyball Nations League on Saturday night earlier than a roaring crowd at Mall of Asia Area.
With Ran Takahashi flying dwelling to Japan as a consequence of a nagging damage and Yuji Nishida sitting out after the second set as a consequence of stomach ache, Ishikawa willed Japan again from two units down, with 33 factors off 31 spikes, one ace, and a block in entrance of 11,879 followers.
“First two units, we weren’t working effectively. On the identical time, we made too many errors, particularly in our assaults. After the third set, we labored on our chemistry, our assault, and protection,” stated the Japan skipper. “We now have to push on a regular basis. First and second units we have been just a little bit nervous.”
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“[33 points] shouldn’t be essential for me. What’s essential is the workforce, so our teammates performed very effectively, so I needed to make the appropriate performs,” he added.
Kento Miyaura, who got here off the bench, additionally stepped up with 19 factors constructed on 16 spikes, two aces, and a block as Japan improved to 8-3 in fifth place with one final task remaining towards the USA on Sunday at 7 p.m.
Miyaura powered the Japanese to an early 10-5 begin within the fifth set earlier than Ishikawa delivered the killer blows to finish the comeback win towards the 2022 VNL champions.
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“It’s our final recreation within the Philippines, so we’ll do our greatest each time, and we’ll proceed to play effectively,” stated Ishikawa of USA. “It’s a very, actually powerful recreation for certain. United States performs quick, so our service must be effectively.”
Akihiro Yamauchi and Kentaro Takahashi added six factors every as Japan gained the second of its third task of their third consecutive VNL Manila leg.
France absorbed its second straight defeat in Manila, sliding to a 7-4 document in sixth place after a tricky loss to the also-ran Iran.
Jean Patry led the balanced assault of the French Spikers with 21 factors off 18 assaults, two aces, and a block. Trevor Clevenot backstopped him with 15 factors, whereas Yacine Loati and Nicolas Le Goff had 11 and 10 factors, respectively.
France tries to finish its skid towards Brazil on Sunday at 3 p.m.