2022-23 V.LEAGUE DIVISION1 MEN Regular Round Match 13

The 2022-23 V.LEAGUE DIVISION1 Regular Round Match 13 was held on Saturday, December 3, at Panasonic Arena (Hirakata City, Osaka Prefecture), where the Panasonic Panthers (hereinafter referred to as the Panthers) faced off against the Wolfdogs Nagoya.

[Set 1]
The early stages saw both teams trading side-outs with high-precision receptions. Captain Yamauchi actively participated in the offense to contribute points, and the Panthers induced errors from the opponent by applying pressure with their signature serves. After trailing 11-12 at the technical timeout, they conceded consecutive points, but Shimizu immediately leveled the score with a service ace, keeping the match tight into the final stretch. In a crucial moment, they were caught by the opponent's block, conceding consecutive points and losing the set 22-25.

[Set 2]
At the start of the set, setter Fukatsu was replaced by Arata, and the team gained momentum through nice defensive plays by Iga and Kubiak. However, the opponent also played tenacious volleyball to develop their attacks, leading to a 9-12 score at the technical timeout. Eager to catch up, the Panthers were encouraged by Yamauchi's spirited play with quick attacks, but they struggled against the opponent's high block and continued to concede points. Although Geng Xin replaced Komiya and Otake replaced Shimizu, the points conceded in the middle of the set proved costly, and they lost the set 19-25.

[Set 3]
Arata, Otake, and Geng Xin continued to start the set. The early stages were back-and-forth, but the Panthers gained momentum through Otake's spikes and Geng Xin's blocks, taking the lead with consecutive points. Kubiak produced points with skillful feints and sharp spikes. After the opponent called a timeout at 17-14, the Panthers created good opportunities, including Nakamoto scoring off a tenacious block follow, and they seized the momentum at once. They held on to the lead to win the set 25-23.

[4th Set]
From the beginning, our serves and blocks functioned well, allowing us to score points in a good rhythm. Otake's powerful spike and Kubiak's service ace brought the score to 12-8 at the technical timeout. We continued to pressure the opponent with our serves, scoring consecutive points to extend our lead to 15-9. In the final stages, we consistently scored from reception, and with plays like Shin's block, we took the set 25-18, forcing the match into a full five sets.

[5th Set]
We had a great start with three consecutive points off Shin's serve to lead 3-0, but the opponent responded with solid defense and strong spikes, turning it into a close contest. We managed to shift the momentum with Geng Xin's block and Kubiak's spikes, but after a fierce deuce battle, we suffered a frustrating 15-17 loss.

The Panthers now have a record of 9 wins and 4 losses (27 total points, 4th in the league).
We will face the Wolfdogs Nagoya again tomorrow, Sunday, December 4th, at home (Panasonic Arena).

Comments from Coach Tillie after the match

Comments from Shin after the match