Japanese spikers beat Filipinas in exhibition match

Japan beat the Philippines, with the visitors showing local spikers their world-class form at the Philippine National Volleyball Federation International Challenge held at the Filoil Flying V Centre.

Mayu Ishikawa scored 22 points, including three service aces, and made 19 of 37 spikes. Airi Miyabe added 19 points and team captain Sarina Koga was the other Japanese player in double figures with 10 points that went with eight digs in the match.

Japan is the only unbeaten team in the Volleyball Nations League (VNL) with a 4-0 record. They are now making adjustments after their successful campaign in the Ankara leg of the VNL.

“It was a very difficult situation because we are travelling. It was difficult for us. In the past days, we need to try to adapt the time of training,” Koga said through an interpreter. “But we are prepared playing against Poland.”

Japan is the seventh-ranked team in the world.

It is Koga’s second visit to the country. She played in the Japanese U23 squad in the 2015 Asian U23 Women’s Volleyball Championship at the PhilSports Arena. She looks forward to play before Filipino fans and help her team remain unbeaten. 

“I’m happy that I have a lot of fans in the Philippines. It was a great atmosphere. I hope they can watch the VNL,” Koga said.

Premier Volleyball League MVP Tots Carlos, in her second international match, had 14 points with two blocks and 14 digs. Mylene Paat added eight points, while Aby Maraño chipped in seven points for the Filipinas.

Thailand topped the Philippines in the other exhibition match.