Japan – Chinese Taipei
Japan operated with their usual breathtaking rhythm, matching power with speed. Sarina Koga worked from her patented area at the left flank and delivered points for her team. Chinese Taipei quickly adjusted with tighter blocks from Tseng Wangling and Lee Yu to check on Koga’s attacks. The Japanese hitter soon had to adjust to quick drops and to a variation in angle. The Japanese side likewise rerouted their offense to the right, anchored on Misaki Shirai’s attacks.
Chinese Taipei retaliated by formulating a formidable gameplan for their frontliners. Chen Tzuya, together with Tseng and Lee launched a barrage of attacks that left the Japanese fumbling for decent defence.
Japan retaliated with their own attacks and snatched the first set by capitalising on Chinese Taipei’s flawed reception.
Reception errors lingered on the Chinese Taipei floor in the succeeding set. Koga of Japan resumed her strong game at the left flank, as the Chinese Taipei lagged in blocking her out. The Chinese Taipei girls tried to invigorate their defence but Shino Nakata helped provide the fuel towards Japan’s success in the second set.
A remarkable display of defence on the floor and by the net comprised the third set. Both teams set out to overcome long rallies and to establish dominance. Chinese Taipei tried to punctuate the admirable exchanges by issuing drop shots, while Japan reverted to their power and precision with Koga’s strong kills. Chinese Taipei later suffered from miscues which cost them the third set and the match.
Japan’s Koga churned out a stellar performance of 18 points. MIsaki Shirai was no less lacklustre with her 12-point contribution.
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