Victorina Himeji and Kurobe Aqua Fairies faced strong challenges in the Daido Life SV.League women’s volleyball action over the weekend in Japan. As the fourth leg concluded, both teams were pushed to the limit, while NEC Red Rockets Kawasaki maintained their perfect record to stay atop the standings.
At the Victorina Wink Gymnasium, Saga Hisamitsu Springs stunned the home crowd with back-to-back victories. On Saturday, Saga swept Himeji 3-0 (25-20, 25-21, 25-17), led by Greek outside hitter Olga Strantzali with 18 points. Sunday’s rematch was a thrilling five-set contest, with Saga again taking the win 3-2 (23-25, 25-16, 25-20, 22-25, 15-13). Strantzali posted 28 points, while Himeji’s Italian outside Camilla Mingardi topped all scorers with 33. Saga climbed to fifth (5-3, 14 points), and Himeji now stand third (6-2, 18).
Over in Toyama, Gunma Green Wings impressed with a 3-0 (25-18, 25-20, 25-22) victory over Kurobe Aqua Fairies on Saturday, led by Olivia Rozanski’s 23 points. The following day, Kurobe responded in dramatic fashion, winning 3-2 (25-18, 24-26, 30-28, 19-25, 15-13) behind Lena Stigrot’s 35-point performance. Kurobe rose to second place (7-1, 17 points), while Gunma are eighth (4-4, 12).
The NEC Red Rockets continued their dominant run, securing two wins at Astemo Rivale Ibaraki to remain the only unbeaten team (8-0, 22 points). Saturday’s 3-0 (25-22, 25-13, 25-19) victory was powered by Yoshino Sato’s 21 points, while Italian opposite Sylvia Nwakalor scored 23 in Sunday’s 3-1 (25-21, 18-25, 25-20, 25-16) win.
Saitama Ageo Medics, Osaka Marvelous, PFU BlueCats, Denso Airybees, and Queenseis Kariya all collected valuable wins across their double headers, with several thrilling five-set finishes highlighting the weekend.