2023-24 V.LEAGUE DIVISION1 MEN Regular Round Match 20
January 21 (Sun) 14:00
away game
Koryo Arena
(Numazu City General Gymnasium)
| Panasonic Panthers |
team | Toray Arrows |
|---|---|---|
|
3 
|
|
0 
|
Match Details
The 2023-24 V.LEAGUE DIVISION1 MEN Match 20 was held on Sunday, January 21, at Koryo Arena (Numazu City, Shizuoka Prefecture), where the Panasonic Panthers (hereinafter referred to as the Panthers) faced the Toray Arrows.
[Set 1]
From the beginning, both teams displayed brilliant defense in a neck-and-neck battle. Setter Fukatsu actively utilized Yamauchi's quick attacks from the start to build a rhythm. The team took a 9-5 lead with consecutive points following Jeschke's serve and a block point from Nishikawa. They created an advantageous situation by applying pressure with Nishikawa's hybrid serve, reaching the technical timeout at 12-6, and continued to score consecutive points through calm transitions from defense. In the final stages, Fukatsu contributed with blocks and serves to extend the lead to 20-11. They shut down the opponent's attacks until the end to take the set 25-13.
[Set 2]
The set started with three consecutive points from Nishida's serve, but the team was disrupted by the opponent's powerful serves, leading to a close contest. After reaching the technical timeout at 12-11, they built a two-point lead at 17-15 thanks to Nishida's stable and powerful spikes and Otsuka scoring off Yamauchi's persistent blocking. Nishida further extended the lead with a fierce service ace, and they continued to pile up points with Yamauchi's quicks and Otsuka's serves to take the set 25-21.
[Set 3]
They got off to a good start by taking the first point with a block by Nishikawa. Although the back-and-forth battle continued, their signature strategic serving combined with block & defense functioned well, successfully creating a four-point lead at 12-8. With nice defense from libero Yamamoto, they maintained an advantage in this set as well. Nishida's service ace helped them continue to apply pressure, leading 21-15. They did not ease up on their attacks until the end, taking the set 25-19 and securing a straight-set victory.
The Panthers have a record of 19 wins and 1 loss, a winning percentage of .950, and a total of 57 points.
Next week on Saturday, January 27, they will play an away game against the JTEKT STINGS at the Okazaki City Central Park General Gymnasium.
Comments from Best Panther (VOM) player Nishida
I think we were able to manage today's game by applying the lessons learned from yesterday's match, and it was a great game where our blocking and defense functioned well. Personally, I was able to hit my serves to the intended spots, and we were able to win rallies in crucial moments, so I believe those efforts led to our victory. Every week, the matches get tougher, so I want to prepare thoroughly for them.
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
Thank you for your support over the past two days.
Today's match was excellent and played at a very high level, with our serving, receiving, and spiking all in good form. I think we were able to play with focus from start to finish.
We have more tough away games coming up next week, so we will prepare for those.
Comments from Fukatsu after the match
I believe the reason for our win today was that our style of attacking with serves—which has become a weapon for the Panthers this season—and scoring points through blocking and defense functioned well throughout all three sets. However, I think we need to improve how we score points when our block coverage or receiving breaks down, so each member of the team will review this to build an even stronger, more flawless team.
Thank you for all your support at our away game.
