Libero Sayaka Tsuitsui plays big role in Hisamitsu Springs defence against the best teams in the world
Kobe, Japan, May 11, 2017 – Japanese clubs Hisamitsu Springs and NEC Red Rockets are two of the eight elite teams competing in the 11th edition of the FIVB Volleyball Women’s Club World Championship.
Hisamitsu Springs have appeared in two previous editions of the Women’s Club World Championship, while NEC Red Rockets made their debut in the tournament.
In the first two days of competition, Hisamitsu Springs and NEC Red Rockets have shown toughness on the defensive end, bringing a different texture to the competition and a fresh take on the typical power game of the other teams.
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Latest VideosFacebookTwitterInstagramMedia GuidesAlthough the two teams have not recorded a victory in the competition so far, they have already earned the respect of their rivals.
NEC Red Rockets’ outside spiker Sarina Koga shows excellent reception form“Japan is known for its defence and they are the best in the world,” Volero Zurich coach Zoran Terzic said. “It is important to have patience when you play against them.”
“I told the players not to stop after an attack because they will always find a way to put the ball up,” he added. “And if you are not patient, 100 per cent you will lose to them.”
Rexona-SESC Rio coach Bernardo Rezende, who coached the Brazilian women’s team in the past, knows very well how tough it is to crack the Japanese defence.
“It is always tough to play Japanese teams,” Rezende said. “They are so technically well-prepared. They are always on the ball.”
Hisamitsu Springs’ libero Mana Toe does one of the many digging saves that she did in the match against Rexona-SESC Rio
The matches in the competition have been very dynamic, having a great mix of offence and defence that led to more excellent rallies.
Hisamitsu Springs and NEC Red Rockets will try to break into the win-column on Friday, May 12. The host club will face 2016 bronze medallists VakifBank Istanbul at 18:10 local time, while NEC Red Rockets will square off with the defending champions earlier at 14:40.