Saga and Osaka strike back to level both semifinals

Both semifinal playoffs in the women’s Daido Life SV.League in Japan were pushed to deciding third-leg matches and will be resolved on Sunday. Saga Hisamitsu Springs and Osaka Marvelous struck back on Saturday to level their series and stay in contention for the spots in the championship final.

• Watch Japan's SV.League on VBTV

Following their four-set defeat on Friday, Saga Hisamitsu Springs hammered out a 3-0 (25-16, 25-23, 25-16) shutout of their hosts, defending champions NEC Red Rockets Kawasaki, at the Todoroki Arena on Saturday. American opposite Stephanie Samedy spearheaded the winners with a match-high 22 points to her name, including two kill blocks and an ace. Outside hitter Ayane Kitamado chipped in with another 10 points. Only Yoshino Sato reached the double digits on NEC Red Rockets’ side with a 14-point tally. The crucial third game at Todoroki on Sunday will start at 15:05 local time (06:05 UTC).

Bouncing back from the shocking straight-set upset at the hands of Denso Airybees Koriyama on Friday, regular season winners Osaka Marvelous tied the series with a 3-1 (25-14, 21-25, 25-22, 25-15) home victory at the Panasonic Arena on Saturday. Osaka’s outside Kotona Hayashi was the best scorer of the match with 20 points, all in attack at a 53% success rate. Captain Mizuki Tanaka contributed 16 points, while Filipino middle blocker Sachi Minowa and Belgian opposite Lise Van Hecke added 15 and 14, respectively. Brazilian opposite Rosamaria Montibeller with 19 points, and outside hitters Amanda Coneo of Colombia with 16 and Haruna Yamashita with 10 were Denso’s leading scorers in the match. The Panasonic Arena will also welcome Sunday’s third-leg decider, serving off at 14:05 (05:05).

Women’s SV.League 2024-2025 semifinals:
Apr 27, 14:05 local (05:05 UTC): Osaka Marvelous v Denso Airybees Koriyama
Apr 27, 15:05 local (06:05 UTC): NEC Red Rockets Kawasaki v Saga Hisamitsu Springs

Quick links:
Japanese SV.League - women
VBTV
Volleyball World Facebook
Volleyball World X
Volleyball World Instagram
Volleyball World YouTube
Subscribe to Volleyball World's Newsletter