Stings
In a Round 17 derby of the two top teams in Men’s V-League, Toray Arrows have beaten Panasonic Panthers at home (both secured Top 6) 3-0, partially 25-21, 25-17, 25-19). Imports have highlighted in each team, although not with such a strong performances. Toray’s Macedonian Nikola Gjorgiev had 16 points while the Pole Michał Kubiak from the Panthers scored 12.
Reigning champions Gosei Trefuerza are close to qualify to the Top 6 after downing JT Thunders 3-0. Croatian bomber Igor Omrčen collected 29 points (4 blocks, 3 aces) in a three-set game. Amazing! Serbian Dražen Luburić scored 21 for the losing team.
Despite noting 41 points, Bulgarian Matey Kaziyski could not prevent the defeat of JTEKT Stings against last-placed F.C. Tokyo 3-2. The Stings made a huge step back in the race for the Top 6. Bosnian Milan Pepić scored 31 for the team from a Japanese capital city.
On the other hand, Sakai Blazers kept Top 6 chances alive by beating Suntory Sunbirds 3-0 thanks to 16 points each from Brazilian Wallace Martins and Shunsuke Chijiki. Colombian Yadrián Escobar scored one point more in the Sunbirds.
Despite suffering three defeats in a row, Women’s V-League title holders Hisamitsu Springs have qualified to the Top 6 by achieving back-to-back win. In Round 19, Hisamitsu prevail over Okayama Seagulls 3-1 (21-25, 25-12, 25-18, 25-12) with 24 points from Risa Shinnabe.
American Cursty Jackson topped Hitachi Rivale’s scorers with 23 points in their 3-2 win over hosts Toyota Queenseis, where Azerbaijani Polina Rahimova had 34. Both teams advanced to the Top 6.
Besides Hisamitsu, Hitachi and Queenseis, other teams that secured Top 6 spot are leaders NEC Red Rockets and JT Marvelous. Upcoming matches in the Women’s V-League will determine the sixth participant of the next stage.
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