In a thrilling start to the V. League Women’s Championship, NEC Kawasaki secured a convincing victory over Toray Arrows, winning the first quarterfinal match 3-0 at the Kawasaki City Todoroki Arena in Kanagawa on April 18, 2025. The Red Rockets showcased their dominance with set scores of 25-15, 25-19, and 25-19, marking a strong beginning in their quest for the inaugural championship title.
Leading the charge for NEC Kawasaki was 23-year-old ace Sarina Koga, who, despite facing rigorous marking from the Toray defense, managed to contribute an impressive 11 points to the team's total. Koga, the top Japanese scorer in the Regular Season with a staggering 895 points, expressed her satisfaction with the team’s performance after the match, stating, "Winning 3-0 in our first championship match is fantastic. We effectively used our serves to disrupt their game, and our offense was able to create ideal scoring opportunities. This victory is a testament to our teamwork."
Alongside Koga, Erika Yamada was pivotal, earning the title of Player of the Match (POM) for her outstanding performance. Yamada's service ace early in the first set set the tone for the match, followed by a series of successful spikes and blocks that kept the momentum firmly in Kawasaki's favor. Her contributions were crucial, as she maintained a perfect attack success rate throughout the match. "I’ve been looking forward to this match since the start, so I’m glad we were able to win all three sets. I was able to attack with my serve and score with blocks, which gave us momentum. The atmosphere was great; it’s the best!" Yamada exclaimed, reflecting on her performance.
The match unfolded with Kawasaki establishing a strong lead early on. In the first set, they quickly took control, with Yamada’s service ace pushing the score to 3-1, and Koga’s left-side spike further extending their advantage. The Red Rockets dominated the first set, closing it out 25-15. The second set mirrored the first, as Kawasaki continued to apply pressure, winning 25-19.
However, the third set saw Toray Arrows momentarily take the lead, thanks to a service ace from Risaki Tani. But Kawasaki’s resilience shone through as they rallied back with a six-point streak, powered by solid serves from setter Shiori Tsukada and crucial blocks from Yamada. Koga sealed the match with a powerful spike, followed by a decisive attack from middle blocker Haruyo Shimamura, ensuring a straight-sets victory for the Red Rockets.
This championship, which began on April 18, features a tournament format where the first team to win two matches advances. The top eight teams from the women’s regular season are competing for the title, while the men’s tournament involves the top six teams. The Red Rockets, who finished second in the regular season, are now one win away from advancing to the semifinals, with their next match scheduled for April 20, 2025.
Koga, who has taken over the number 2 jersey from the retired Sarina Koga, emphasized her desire to contribute to the team’s offensive efforts as they move forward in the championship. "I want to help the team with my serves, back attacks, and spikes, whether it’s against international opponents or fellow Japanese players. I aim to show my growth in this championship," she stated confidently.
As the competition heats up, NEC Kawasaki’s performance on April 18 sets a high bar for the remaining teams. With a blend of young talent and experienced players, they are poised to make a significant impact in the championship. The excitement continues as they aim for back-to-back victories to secure their place in the semifinals.
The quarterfinals also featured other matches, with Denso Airybees defeating PFU BlueCats 3-0, and the Wolfdogs Nagoya overcoming Hiroshima Thunders 3-1. JTEKT STINGS Aichi also claimed victory against Tokyo Great Bears with a score of 3-1, showcasing the competitive spirit of the league.
As the championship progresses, fans are eager to see if NEC Kawasaki can maintain their momentum and ultimately claim the title of the inaugural V. League Women’s Championship. With strong performances from players like Koga and Yamada, their journey is one to watch closely.
