Japan Men’s V-League: Without Omrčen, Trefuerza become easy prey for titleholders Toray, Kubiak keeps Panthers at the top

Toray

The Canadian Gavin Schmitt was the only double-digit player in Toray with 23 points and it was quite enough to beat Trefuerza, who played without their best player, the Croatian Igor Omrčen, in Round 9.

Panasonic Panthers won their fourth match in a row to stay at the top of the standings with 8-1 and 25 points, 7 points more than the second-placed Toray. Thanks to 21 points from the Pole Michał Kubiak, the Panthers outplayed JT Thunders by a 3-1 (25-15, 23-25, 25-18, 25-21). Kenji Shirasawa contributed with 6 kill blocks.

JTEKT Stings (5-4) prevailed in a five-set thriller versus Osaka Sakai Blazers with 31 points from the Bulgarian Matey Kaziyski.

Suntory Sunbirds (4-5) had an easy job with F.C. Tokyo, 3-0, thanks to 18 points (3 aces) from the Cuban Yadrian Escobar.

JPN National Championship 2017/2018 / Male / Seniors

REGULAR SEASON / 9TH ROUND

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