BINAN”• The NEC Rockets of Japan unraveled a fast-paced game and outplayed the Foton Tornadoes, 25-13, 25-7, 25-15, Tuesday in the classification matches of the Asian Volleyball Confederation Asian Women’s Club Championship at the Alonte Sports Arena here.
The Tornadoes made efforts to adjust to the Rockets’ high level of play and managed to do so in the third set, before their Japanese rivals took control again in the final stretches of their 66-minute showdown.
Sarina Koga, who was hailed as the best scorer and MVP for Japan when it won the gold medal in the Asian Youth Girls’ Championship in 2012, kept things fast for the Japanese spikers, hitting 11 points.
This included a combination of short and long spikes to libero Jen Reyes that allowed the Rockets to grab a 10-7 lead in the first set.
“Before the game, I told players that we are going to school and Japan is the teacher. And we need to learn a lesson today,” said Tornadoes’ coach Fabio Menta, who noted that NEC is among the Top 15 best clubs in the world.
Nami Sagawa challenged the Filipino frontline with her blocks and spikes as the Rockets seized a four-point edge, 14-10.
Team skipper Oumi Akari showed the way for the Japanese with 13 points. He her drop shot, followed by Cherry Rondina’s error, handed the Rockets a 17-11 spread.
Everything took a faster pace in the second set as the Rockets came off with a 9-0 run before the Tornadoes finally scored off Koga’s service error.
“It’s our fast game that won it for us. If we continue playing this fast, we can beat Bangkok,” said Rockets’ coach Akinori Yamada, referring to Bangkok Glass of Thailand.