Japan maintained its unblemished slate in the men’s Volleyball Nationals League Week 3 after a 24-26, 25-23, 21-25, 25-23, and 15-12 triumph over China on late Tuesday night at the Mall of Asia Arena in Pasay City.
Yuki Ishikawa stamped his class with 19 points on 16 hits, two blocks, and an ace as the Japanese recovered from a 1-2 deficit, including a massive meltdown in the first set, to extend their unbeaten run to nine matches.
Kento Miyaura and Yuji Nishida had 15 and 12 points, respectively, while fan favorite Ran Takahashi converted four aces for 14 points for the Japanese squad.
“I’m so happy to play here again. The fans support us all the time. I’m happy,” said Ishikawa, Japan’s team captain.
Jinyin Zhang led the way with 21 points, as Yuantai Yu and Yongzhen Li added 17 and 16 points, respectively, for China, which fell to a 2-7 record.
Japan will shoot for 10-0 against the Netherlands on Friday as China battles Slovenia on Thursday in the Philippine leg of the tournament.
