2023-24 V.LEAGUE DIVISION1 MEN Regular Round Match 23
February 3rd (Sat) 12:05
away game
Ookini Arena Maishima
(Maishima Arena)
| Panasonic Panthers |
team | Suntory Sunbirds |
|---|---|---|
|
3 
|
|
0 
|
Match Details
The 2023-24 V.LEAGUE DIVISION1 MEN Match 23 was held on Saturday, February 3rd at Ookini Arena Maishima (Osaka City, Osaka Prefecture), where the Panasonic Panthers (hereinafter referred to as the Panthers) faced the Suntory Sunbirds.
[Set 1]
The early stages saw both teams trading side-outs. Although the Panthers fell behind after being caught by the opponent's block, Jeschke scored with a spike and a serve, and Nishida responded with a powerful spike, leading to a close contest at the 11-12 technical timeout. Following this, setter Fukatsu orchestrated a diverse attack to keep the score tight, reaching the final stretch at 20-20. The Panthers substituted Nishiyama for Fukatsu, who immediately scored with a sharp spike, and Yamauchi's effective serve also succeeded in putting pressure on the opponent. In the end, Nishida secured a skillful block-out to take the set 25-23.
[Set 2]
Starting with Jeschke's serve, the Panthers disrupted the opponent and scored consecutive points to take a 4-0 lead. The opponent responded with high blocks and defense, narrowing the gap to one point. From there, the Panthers scored primarily through Nishida and Otsuka, reaching the 12-10 technical timeout. Nishida then utilized powerful spikes and feints to score, maintaining the lead throughout the set. In the final stages, Jeschke scored a service ace to make it 19-15, and Nishida also landed a service ace to take the set 25-19, winning two sets in a row.
[3rd Set]
From the beginning, the team built its offense by actively using quick attacks from Yamauchi and Evade-Dan, while Jeschke, who was in good form, also piled up points with stable attacks. Reaching the technical timeout at 12-11, the team connected Otsuka's exceptionally stable serve reception—despite being targeted by serves—to points, gradually finding their rhythm to take a 16-14 lead. They shifted gears further toward the end of the set to add more points, and although there were moments where they were chased, they used highly focused play and sheer power to overcome the opposition, taking the set 25-22 and securing a straight-sets victory.
The Panthers have a record of 22 wins and 1 loss, a winning percentage of .96, and a total of 65 points.
They will face the Suntory Sunbirds again tomorrow, 2/4, away at Ookini Arena Maishima.
Comments from Best Panther (VOM) player Otsuka
Since this was a direct matchup against the top-ranked Suntory Sunbirds, I really wanted to win. I think the fact that not only individuals but the team as a whole played with their hearts on their sleeves led to this good result. I expect tomorrow's match to unfold differently, so I want to make sure we don't forget to keep fighting toward victory regardless of the situation.
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
All the players kept playing in very good form. Also, I felt pressure in the first set, but we were able to stay focused until the end and take it. Although we couldn't get a single block point in today's match, our side-out play was excellent. We will do our best to achieve the same result tomorrow, so please continue to support us.
Thank you.
Comments from Fukatsu after the match
Thank you very much for all your support.
I think it was huge that we were able to take the first set in today's match. The content of the game could have gone either way, but I believe it was significant that each of us was able to focus on our roles with our serves. For the Panthers this season, blocking and defense starting from our serves will be the key, and while we were able to do that today, what happens from tomorrow onwards depends on us, so I want to continue playing by leveraging our strengths.
