Japanese volleyball star Yuji Nishida of Osaka Bluteon praised the potential of Alas Pilipinas Men after their first friendly match during the Alas Pilipinas Invitationals.
In their first of two friendly matches, Japan’s Osaka Bluteon came out on top against Alas Pilipinas Men, winning in straight sets, 29-27, 25-23, 25-12, during the Alas Pilipinas Invitationals at the PhilSports Arena in Pasig City on Saturday, September 7.
Starring for the Bluteon is none other than Japanese volleyball superstar Yuji Nishida, who finished with a game-high 15 points on 14 attacks and one service ace.
Facing Alas Men for the first time, Nishida gave his honest thoughts on the Philippine national team, who displayed moments of promise and kept the game competitive in the first two sets.
"This match is my first time with the Philippine national team. We were pushed to the limit, and every player is more eager," Nishida told reporters after the match.
"Now, we’ll give more focus to ourselves. We were high level with our serve, block, defense, everything. The Philippine national team is promising in the game. Although not always, but there’s something good in their game,” he added.
A staple of international volleyball, Nishida has experienced the warmth and passion of Filipino fans before when competing with Japan’s national team.
However, the turnout for the Osaka Bluteon’s match seemed to leave him wanting more.
"In this situation, I’m coming to Osaka Bluteon, with my team to the Philippines for the first time. Every time we’re coming with the national team... inside the arena, the fans are at maximum [capacity]," said Nishida. "Today, I don’t feel the [full] space. I’m a little bit sad about the situation,” said Nishida.
The 24-year-old opposite spiker hopes for a more energized crowd for their next match as the Bluteon looks to deliver an even stronger performance.
"Tomorrow, we’ll play with a more high level, a changed mindset, and everything. Please join us and watch us again this time,” said Nishida.
Meanwhile, libero Tomohiro Yamamoto also shared his thoughts on the match, praising Alas Men for their skill despite lacking the height advantage typically seen in international teams.
"They are a great team. We had some tough moments as well but we’re very happy with the game played by everyone here," said Yamamoto. "They aren’t too much of a physical team height-wise, but they are very skilled and it was a very good game, very tough game, so it was great."
Alas Men will get another chance to face Osaka Bluteon in their second friendly match tomorrow at PhilSports Arena, where they aim to build on their promising performance and give the Japanese squad another tough fight.