Saga to challenge NEC in SV.League semifinals

Saga Hisamitsu Springs booked the last semifinal vacancy in the women’s Daido Life SV.League semifinals in Japan. They closed their quarterfinal series against Victorina Himeji on Monday and, later this week, will challenge defending champions NEC Red Rockets Kawasaki in one of the two best-of-three races for the spots in next week’s championship playoff.

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After their four-set victory in their home quarterfinal playoff opener on Sunday, Saga Hisamitsu Springs won the second game on Monday in straight sets to close the series and advance to the semifinals. They defeated their visitors Victorina Himeji by 3-0 (25-20, 25-20, 27-25). With another 24 points to her name, this time in only three sets, American opposite Stephanie Samedy was once again the top scorer of the match. Outside hitters Sae Nakajima and Ayane Kitamado contributed another 15 and 14 points, respectively, to Saga’s victory. Their counterparts Arisa Inoue and Miku Akimoto led Himeji with 15 and 13 points.

“First of all, I would like to express my sincere respect to both teams for their excellent performances,” Saga’s head coach Shingo Sakai commented. “Looking back on today's match, I am very happy that we were able to win without losing concentration until the very end. Although the opponents were able to respond at times throughout the match, I think one of the reasons for our victory was that we persevered and did not give in. We will continue to prepare well so that we can play our own volleyball in the SV.League semifinals.”

The two best-of-three semifinal playoffs will be played between Friday and Sunday of this week.

Women’s SV.League 2024-2025 semifinals:
Apr 25, 18:05 local (09:05 UTC): Osaka Marvelous v Denso Airybees Koriyama
Apr 25, 19:05 local (10:05 UTC): NEC Red Rockets Kawasaki v Saga Hisamitsu Springs
Apr 26, 16:05 local (07:05 UTC): Osaka Marvelous v Denso Airybees Koriyama
Apr 26, 16:05 local (07:05 UTC): NEC Red Rockets Kawasaki v Saga Hisamitsu Springs
Apr 27, 14:05 local (05:05 UTC): Osaka Marvelous v Denso Airybees Koriyama (if necessary)
Apr 27, 15:05 local (06:05 UTC): NEC Red Rockets Kawasaki v Saga Hisamitsu Springs (if necessary)

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