2023-24 V.LEAGUE DIVISION1 MEN Regular Round Match 3
October 28 (Sat) 14:05
home game
Panasonic Arena
| Panasonic Panthers |
team | Toray Arrows |
|---|---|---|
|
3 
|
|
1 
|
Match Details
The 2023-24 V.LEAGUE DIVISION1 MEN Match 3 was held on Saturday, October 28, at Panasonic Arena (Hirakata City, Osaka Prefecture), where the Panasonic Panthers (hereinafter referred to as the Panthers) faced the Toray Arrows.
[Set 1]
The Panthers started with the same lineup as in the first and second matches.
In the early stages, the Panthers focused their attacks on the wings, while the Toray Arrows focused on their middle blockers, leading to a tense match where neither side gave an inch. The Panthers rebuilt their attacks from block follows, with players like Otsuka scoring, reaching the technical timeout at 11-12. The back-and-forth battle continued, but the Panthers stayed in the game with a block from substitute Nishiyama and a spike from Otsuka, then took the lead at 23-22 with consecutive points, including a service ace from Yamauchi. Showing strength in the final moments, they took the set 25-23.
[Set 2]
The team got off to a good start by putting pressure on the opponent with serves to score points. Although they allowed the opponent to close the gap to one point due to consecutive errors, their defense, centered around Yamamoto, functioned well, and they regained a 10-7 lead with consecutive points. After the technical timeout, they showed tenacity in blocking, scored consecutive points with sharp spikes from Jeschke and Nishida, and extended their lead significantly to 17-11 by putting pressure on with Otsuka's serves. In the final stages, they did not relinquish the momentum, thanks to Yamamoto's excellent receives and Jeschke's scoring, and took the set consecutively.
[Set 3]
In the early stages, the team struggled against the opponent's serves and blocks, allowing them to take a 2-5 lead. They calmly added points and gradually regained their pace through Yamamoto's defense and other plays, reaching the technical timeout at 9-12. After that, their rhythm was disrupted by the opponent's serves, leading to a difficult situation at 11-17. Otsuka and Nakamoto were substituted, and Arata and Nishiyama came on for Fukatsu and Jeschke, helping to regain momentum with block points and other plays, but they were unable to catch up and lost the set 20-25.
[Set 4]
Nishikawa replaced Evade-Dan for the start of the fourth set. The team fell behind early, trailing 4-7. The Panthers then scored off their defense, and a service ace from Nishida narrowed the gap to one point. They then grabbed the momentum with a run of points off Nishikawa's serve to take a 13-10 lead. From there, Nishida continued to score by hitting through the opponent's block following solid receives, maintaining a three-point lead into the final stages. Although the opponent closed the gap, the team stayed united with tenacious defense to clinch the points, winning the set 25-22 and securing the victory.
The Panthers now have a 3-0 record with 9 points total.
They will play against the Toray Arrows again tomorrow at their home court in Hirakata.
Comments from Best Panther (VOM) player Yamamoto
The Toray Arrows are a team with strong serves and high offensive power, so there were times during the match where we had to be patient. Tomorrow, I want us to hold firm on reception, get multiple rebounds, and build our attacks.
As this was my first home game with the Panthers, I was able to play volleyball in a wonderful atmosphere. I will do my best to share another victory with all the fans tomorrow!
Thank you for your support.
- *VOM stands for "V.leaguer of The Match," an individual award given to the player who contributed to the victory in each match.
Comments from Coach Tillie after the match
The first and second sets were particularly high-level battles, and the content was truly wonderful. From the third set, the opponent's level rose even further, making for a difficult match, but we looked for solutions to win, and the players who came off the bench also performed well. I am really glad we were able to win.
Please continue to support the Panthers tomorrow.
Comments from Yamauchi after the match
In the first home game, many of the sets were closely contested and required high concentration, so I am glad we managed to win. I am sure the Toray Arrows will make adjustments before tomorrow's match, so we want to prepare ourselves so that we don't end up on the defensive.
Thank you very much to all the fans for your support.
