Japan finished its 2024 Volleyball Nations League (VNL) Manila Leg campaign on a strong note a straight-sets victory over Team USA.
Japan ended its 2024 Volleyball Nations League (VNL) Manila Leg campaign on a solid note after pulling off a clean sweep of Team USA, 25-20, 25-23, 25-19, in front of 12,424 spectators at the Mall of Asia Arena on Sunday, June 23.
Despite not having Yuji Nishida and Yuki Ishikawa in the match, Ryujin Nippon leaned on lefty opposite spiker Miyaura Kento to power the team to their first victory over the Americans, who came into the match with an 18-0 FIVB head-to-head record against Japan.
Kento finished with a game-high 18 points on 12 attacks, one block, and five service aces.
Down 13-17 in the third set, Japan managed to tie the game at 18-all behind the efforts of middle blockers Larry Ik Evbade-Dan and Taishi Onodera.
The Japanese then took the lead at 20-19 after Onodera’s quick attack, which was followed by four straight points by Kento, three of which came as service aces.
Masato Kai then put the finishing touch after connecting on an off-the-block hit to give Japan its 9th win in the tournament.
Kai contributed 16 points, while Onodera and Larry had eight apiece in the victory.
Team USA, who were without starts TJ Defalco and Matt Anderson, were led by Kyle Ensing's 14 markers as the world no. 5 dropped to a 5-7 record for 12th place in the VNL.
Japan will now prepare for the VNL Finals set from June 27-30, while USA will ready themselves for the Olympic Games Paris 2024.