By KRISTEL SATUMBAGA
Japan rebounded from a three-set defeat to France as it repulsed Slovenia, 25-21, 22-25, 25-18, 25-19, Sunday in Week 2 of the Volleyball Nations League Men’s Leg at the Smart Araneta Coliseum.
It was the Japanese’s sixth win in two matches, closing out this week’s campaign on a bright note with 18 points at third place.
Team captain Yuki Ishikawa spearheaded Japan’s assault with 21 points off 17 kills, one block and three aces, while Tatsunori Otsuka also added 13 points, all coming from attacks.
The Japanese quickly regained their composure from a second-set stumble, delivering ferocious kills and combination plays that caught Slovenians off guard most of the time.
In the nightcap, Italy crushed China, 25-21, 25-18, 25-19.
The Italians showed their defensive prowess by posting 11 blocks to pick up their sixth win in eight outings for 19 points.
They actually won three of their four matches this week. Their earlier victories came at the expense of Germany and Slovenia, but they lost to the Japanese.
Daniele Lavia starred for the Italians this time with 22 points off 16 kills, three blocks and three aces, while Giulio Pinali pumped in 15 points including 12 attacks.
Providing a tough defensive wall at the net were skipper Simone Giannelli, Simone Anzani and Lavia, who combined for eight blocks.
Zhang Guanhua and Zhang Jingyin scored 11 points apiece for China, which skidded to its sixth defeat against two wins for six points.
The Chinese, who forfeited their first match against France after failing to come up with six players due to health reasons related to Covid-19, won by default of Germany while losing to Argentina and now, Italy.
