The Asian Junior Women’s Volleyball Championship 2010: Japan clawed their way to victory by beating Korea
Japan clashed with Korea on fourth day of the Asian Junior Women’s Volleyball Championship on Wednesday, 15th September 2010. The defending champion Japan was totally shaped-up for victory. The team has earned good reputation over the past years,
as they won the Asian Women’s Title for five times. This time around, the Japanese ladies target to get their hands on another gold-medal. They have outplayed all the teams who came forward to challenge them in the running championship. Team Japan extended
their winning streak by pulling off victory against Korea in straight sets.
They have lived up the expectations of their die-hard fans and continued with the remarkable run. The star-studded Japanese team comfortably achieved commanding position in match against Korea and dismissed the opponent by sending 3-0 (25-18, 26-24, and
25-12).
Round 1
Japan had excellent run in the previous matches, and it was filled with a winning spirit. They started the first set with wonderful serves, constantly pushing the ball in other half of the court. The spikers did an amazing job of hitting swift shots, and
the Japanese-setter also contributed in team’s score by tricky bump-passes. They were able to pick up lead over the competitor side. Korea had a shaky start and couldn’t stand the Japanese aces. The hard-hitting flabbergasted the Korean players, leading to
a Japanese win in the first set with a margin of 5 points.
Round 2
Japan remained consistent in serving and hitting the ball in second set. They put pressure on Korean team and tightened their screws with heavier punch. Somehow, Korea also reacted and hit-back after the first technical timeout. They chased the score and
created a buzz in the game. They were able to bring themselves out of the danger zone and took a lead of 24-19, flipping the game stats with a 180 degree turn.
Nonetheless, Japanese bounced-back in the game with the help of left-hander Mari Horikawa. She carried out well-placed serves and helped the team to catch up Korean score at 24-24. Both teams were playing under huge pressure. Japan incorporated a final shot
and surged ahead the rival Korea. The second set ended at 26-24 with Japan’s success.
Round 3
Japan was ready for kill in the third set, while Korea gave it all what they had. They got the best substitutions and attacked with full potential. The Korean efforts went futile, and they failed to overcome Japanese rule. The cross-court spikes of Fumika
Moriya sent out a clear message to victory. Moreover, Horikawa of Japan raised the score with five ace serves. Kim Eon-Hye of Korea stepped forward to hinder Japanese run, but there was not stopping the Japanese females. Japan achieved 25-12 in third set and
claimed match-victory.
The head coach of Japan’s team Yoshiki Ogawa appreciated the team work and credited players for an exceptional job. The coach quoted, “I think we played well against Korea. The second set was very important to us. If we lost, the Koreans might come back
and we would then struggle.”
It was great achievement for Japanese team, as they had very short time to prepare for the championship. The sources said that the players only got four days for training and practice. Most of the players were busy in attending their own clubs and schools,
as Japan is loaded with volleyball activities this time of the year. Many junior volleyball tournaments kept the players busy, and they hardly had time to train with national camp. However, the credit goes to the talented Japanese coach, who tempted the team
to give their best to the game. The team delivered an outclass performance and remained un-beaten.
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