Volleyball fans got a treat with this five-setter.
What an opening day.
So round 3 of the Volleyball Nations League in Pasay started with this five-set thriller between undefeated Japan and an upset-seeking China.
Fresh after beating Germany, China was down 19-24 in the first set. They saved set point after set point to snatch the first frame, 26-24. Zhang Jingyin was on point for China with a score of 21, while the blockers proved to be invaluable.
However, the key attacks from Yuki Ishikawa, a vital substitution with Kento Miyaura, and the floor defense of Ran Takahashi helped weather China's attacks and helped Japan secure a 9-0 record.
Ryujin Nippon is now assured of a quarterfinals spot.
Plenty of Filipina volleyball stars were certainly inspired by Team Japan, like Choco Mucho Flying Titans libero Dennise Lazaro-Revilla.
You can bet the PLDT High Speed Hitters took a lot of notes. The speed of those spikes was insane.
Mich Morente wants to channel the energy of Ishikawa, who made 18 points from 16 attacks along with a block and an ace. After all, they wear the same number.
The Creamline Cool Smashers were also in the crowd. Can Pangs Panaga, Tots Carlos, and Jema Galanza deliver killer attacks like Zhang Jingyin, who had 21 points?
Adamson Lady Falcons' Lucille Almonte—who is wearing the pink shirt of Akari—got extra lucky with this Ran Takahashi selfie.
"Namumula si ate," an Instagram story noted.
Same, Lucille, same.
She and Akari Chargers captain Michelle Cobb also shared a photo of this jersey signed by players of Team Japan.
"The lengths I had to go through to get the jersey," Cobb wrote.
Ang tanong, kanino mapupunta ang jersey?
Team Japan will next face the Netherlands at 7 p.m. on Friday.