Sarina Koga and Japan are through to the 2024 Volleyball National League Finals after taking down Gabi and erstwhile-undefeated Brazil in a five-set semifinals in Bangkok.
The 2024 Volleyball Nations League is a true gem for Japan’s women’s national team.
Sarina Koga and her squad are through to the VNL Finals for the first time ever, using the upset axe to eliminate erstwhile world no. 1 Brazil in Bangkok, Thailand Saturday.
Japan held strong against a relentless Brazilian side, hacking out a 26-24, 20-25, 25-21, 22-25, 15-13 win. The Japanese will take on Italy in the Finals, who are the new no. 1 following the results of the semifinals.
Seldom-used Yukiko Wada was unleashed against Brazil, finishing with a team-high 21 points.
The 22-year-old outside hitter entered the semifinals averaging just 2.25 points per game, scoring 27 total points in her 2024 VNL run.
Ace and captain Sarina Koga added 18 points, continuing her stellar play. Mayu Ishikawa complemented the two with 16 points, with five coming in the deciding fifth set.
For Brazil, team captain Gabi Guimares led the way with 21 points. However, another VNL campaign ends with no title for Brazil, as the team’s 2024 winning streak is stopped at 13.
The result comes as a disappointment for Brazil, who took over as the world’s no. 1 team earlier this month. The Brazilians were also the first team in VNL history to finish preliminary play undefeated at 12-0.