2023-24 V.LEAGUE DIVISION1 MEN Final Stage Semifinal Match 2
March 24 (Sun) 15:05
Ota City General Gymnasium
| Panasonic Panthers |
team | JT Thunders Hiroshima |
|---|---|---|
|
3 
|
|
0 
|
Match Details
The 2023-24 V.LEAGUE DIVISION1 MEN Final Stage "Semifinal" was held on Sunday, March 24 at Ota City General Gymnasium (Ota Ward, Tokyo), where the Panasonic Panthers (hereinafter referred to as the Panthers) faced off against JT Thunders Hiroshima.
[Set 1]
Jeszke made an impact by scoring the crucial first point with a powerful back-row attack. The team maintained a good rhythm and scored consecutive points, but struggled against the pressure of the opponent's serves, allowing a 4-7 lead. Nishiyama then scored decisively, and the team seized an opportunity from Otsuka's defense, scoring consecutive points to tie the game at 9-9. Entering the technical timeout at 10-12, the team developed their attack centered around Otsuka, turning the game around at 14-13. After that, they piled up points based on libero Yamamoto's defense, but the match turned into a fierce rally, heading into the final stages as a close contest. Although they allowed the opponent to take a one-point lead, a service ace by Jeszke tied the score at 19-19, and they went on to reverse the lead. Nishiyama, who had been a bit stiff, hit good spikes in the final stages and was fully engaged. Nishida also entered the game and scored, and the team played with unwavering concentration to take the set 25-23.
[Set 2]
In this set as well, the team continued to play stably from the beginning and piled up points. Jeszke and Nishiyama launched attacks with bold spikes, and quick attacks by Yamauchi and Evade-Dan also found their mark, preventing the opponent from narrowing their focus. After the 12-11 technical timeout, Jeszke was active with spikes and blocks, giving the team a 3-point lead at 15-12. They maintained the lead into the final stages, scored consecutive points from Otsuka's serve, and with that momentum, took the set 25-21 to win consecutive sets.
[Set 3]
It became a fierce battle where both sides clashed with pride through blocks and defense, including consecutive long rallies, with the Panthers leading 8-5. At the 12-9 technical timeout, they continued to apply pressure on their opponents, extending their lead significantly to 14-9. After that, they continued to disrupt the opponent with Fukatsu's serves, completely dominating the court. They kept scoring without giving the opponent any chance to counterattack until the end, taking the set 25-13 and securing their spot in the finals.
The Panthers will face the Suntory Sunbirds on Sunday, March 31st, at Ariake Coliseum for the V.League championship.
Comments from Best Panther (VOM) player Nishiyama
It was very good for the team to be able to take the first set even after falling behind in points, and I think I was able to contribute to the team by scoring points myself during that time. My serves were also working well today, so I want to head into next week's match with the whole team with a positive image.
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
I am very happy that we won today's match and earned the right to play in the finals. I think we were superior in all skills. There were moments where we struggled due to nerves at the start, but we were able to take the first set and create good momentum. There were many good plays, such as winning long rallies, which was excellent.
Next is finally the finals. We will prepare thoroughly.
Thank you for your continued support!!
Comments from Otsuka after the match
Thank you so much to everyone who came to support us and to everyone who cheered us on from their screens!
I believe that in the Final Stage, the result is more important than the content of the match, so I am most happy that we were able to secure the win. The content was not bad for the team, and since our opponents also played very good volleyball, I think that executing what we needed to do led to this result.
In the final, we will be playing against the Suntory Sunbirds. We will make sure to do all the necessary preparations, including our mental state, so that we can perform well in one week's time.
Please continue to support us!
