Please tell us about the team's current situation after finishing the first three rounds of the season.

Overall, I saw significant improvements in our spikes, and both our side-outs and transitions were very good. I also believe we were able to develop some very good plays when switching from getting a touch on the block to launching an attack.
Our identity lies in that transition from getting a touch on the block to starting an attack. While the number of blocks themselves wasn't that high, I believe that the quality of those transitions is what led to our points.
We incorporated it into today's practice, but I think we still need to refine the coordination between our blocking and defense.
Our serves have also been coming together well recently, and I think we were able to showcase Bluteon's strength in serving during GAME 2 of our home opener, and it was also quite good in GAME 1 against Toray Arrows Shizuoka last week.
However, there are still some issues remaining regarding GAME 2, so we will work on making adjustments in those areas.

What do you think will be the key for OSAKA BLUTEON to continue racking up victories in the future?

I think serving is particularly important. Serving is an individual skill, so there is a lot to work on personally, but more than that, it is crucial that we can consistently land them in the court as a team.
We need to think as a team about how to serve while maintaining team coordination, rather than just aiming for service aces with 100% power.

Fragolad Kagoshima is a team that joined the SV League this season; how do you view them? Please tell us if there are any particular points you are wary of.

Since they have already defeated Nippon Steel Sakai Blazers, I think they are a very formidable team. That is precisely why we must value each day of practice and approach the match without ever underestimating them.
A characteristic of F. Kagoshima is that their offense is extremely fast, and they can launch attacks with great speed from anywhere. Their serves are also very good. They have players who hit very strong spin serves, but even more than that, they have many players who hit strong, fast hybrid serves and floater serves, which I think will make them difficult to play against.

This weekend is a home game in Hirakata. Please give a message to the fans.

Panasonic Arena is where we always practice, so please come and support us. We will give it our all and fight hard.

You have been playing as a starting member since the opening, so how do you feel about the team and yourself so far?

I feel like we rediscovered our style when we won GAME 2 against WD Nagoya the day after losing GAME 1 of our home opener. Before that, I didn't feel the same momentum we had at the end of last season, but I think the team's form has been improving since then.
Personally, my body isn't fully ready yet, and it's a bit frustrating not being able to make plays I used to, but I'm starting to be able to do things that didn't work before, and I feel like I'm growing little by little, so I'm staying positive.

Specifically, what kind of plays have been improving for the team?

I think we've had fewer instances of losing points due to running out of stamina, especially during long rallies. I believe we are showing our strength in "winning the rally."
Also, related to that, is our attack in transition. I feel we are playing effectively in those situations, putting pressure on the opponent during long rallies and successfully connecting from defense to attack.

What do you think will be the key for Bluteon to fight through the long season?

I think the biggest thing is injuries.
In terms of our team situation, even if there are no major injuries, Brian and Finn (McCarthy) have had accidents, and the strain on our bodies builds up little by little during the season, leading to poor condition and injuries, so it's important to be careful as we compete.
Because we are a small, elite group, I believe we are in an environment where we cannot afford to lose a single player.

Regarding the match against Fragolad Kagoshima, please tell us your impression of the opponent and how you want to play.

They are a team with an attacking style we haven't seen in the SV League before, and they are actively trying many different things, so I think it will be a difficult match in terms of how to handle them, especially since it's our first time playing them. However, rather than adjusting to them, I want us to play volleyball that emphasizes our own strengths.
Even if they try new things, I want to stay calm and deal with them while communicating with the staff.

Please give a message to the fans for the home game at Panasonic Arena Hirakata.

It has been a while since our last home game at Panasonic Arena, and since there are so few matches held in Hirakata, I want to savor every single point and play with conviction. We will also do our best to ensure we can share the moment of victory with all of you and make it a day you can look back on as a wonderful one. Thank you for your support!

#23 Larry Ik Evbade-Dan Player Profile